Scarborough Inn

"Chinese Dragon Boats," at the Jersey Shore!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Chinese Dragon Boat (bow)

Chinese Dragon Boats provide a very ancient mode of racing competition; but are a very new addition to the Jersey Shore.

In fact, I first heard of these races from a fellow innkeeper who belongs to a woman's team in a nearby community. A few weeks ago, a local news article announced the formation of a Dragon Boat team in Cape May! So, time to check out this amazing water sport!

Apparently, Dragon Boat Racing originated in China at about the same time as the ancient Olympic games in Greece. With the Olympiad, these races share "...aspects of religious observance and community celebration along with competition."

Races take place in long, narrow boats decorated in brilliant colors, the bow of which is crowned with a dragon's head - of course! They are propelled through the water by a team of synchronized rowers. The standard crew of a contemporary dragon boat is 22 - 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, 1 drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddlers, and 1 sweep at the stern of the boat to steer or guide the craft.

I imagine the races are both colorful and very exciting. Maybe during your next Ocean City vacation, we'll be able to tell you where to watch a Chinese Dragon Boat race - imagine that!

INNsider Tips:
For additional information about Dragon Boat Racing Wikipedia or an article about local racing teams.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City, NJ and Chinese New Year

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Chinese New Year is not widely celebrated in Ocean City, but is popular is nearby cities like Philadelphia or New York City. In our community, you could celebrate by enjoying an Asian meal at a local restaurant or by trying a Chinese recipe at home.

This year, the celebration falls on January 23 and it is the Year of the Dragon - Happy Chinese New Year!

Innsider Tips: Learn more about Chinese New Year from Wikipedia or share some information and activities with your children or grandchildren using this educational website.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Jersey Shore Brewery

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Breweries come to Cape May County

Cape May County, of which Ocean City is the northernmost community, is becoming know for our wonderful local "Wine Trail." Guests of the Inn find visiting our local vintners an interesting (and delicious!) day trip. You can visit some lovely natural settings and sample a nice variety of wines, too.

Not to be outdone, breweries have come to our area, too. We've been following their progress and development and will have more information available for our guests so you can add another dimension to your Ocean City vacation getaway!

Some properties ( both wineries and breweries) hold special events throughout the season. Check with us when you visit the inn for updates or let us know in advance of your arrival so we can gather some information for you! Also follow the Scarborough Inn on Twitter or LIKE us on Facebook for the very latest information on what's happening in Ocean City and the surrounding area!

INNsider Tip - Enjoy this recent article about the Cape May Brewing Company from the AC Press to get you started on exploring Cape May County Breweries!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Birding...in your own backyard!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Roses sometimes house birds!

I was visiting a good friend recently and watching the flock of birds enjoying her backyard feeder. There were shy Cardinals, chickadees and sparrows, finches with rosy red markings, and the occasional shiny, black crow. They were greedily pecking at the provided seeds and singing and chirping to each other - to our delight!

Here at the Scarborough Inn, we host a number of birds who choose to nest at the inn every spring. Some set up housekeeping in the Bradford Pear trees that flank the driveway or in the large holly bush near the stairs. Others roost around the drain pipes or architectural features of the building. And several actually nest in the hanging plants that festoon our 100-foot wraparound front porch!

There's nothing better than listening to their cheerful chirping first thing in the morning! We also love to catch a glimpse of the tiny fledglings taking their first flight - tentatively launching from the safety of the nest!

Cape May County is renowned worldwide as an important birding site and people travel great distances to view the annual migrations or photograph our feathered locals. But the good news is that all of us can encourage and appreciate these wonders of nature and enjoy a little birding...in our own backyards!

INNsider Tip: Learn how to choose Wild Bird Feeders; enjoy birding at home, too.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

"Jersey Shore" NEW YEAR WISHES with Resolutions!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Resolutions...those sometimes short-lived intentions for the NEW YEAR...signify our goal of improving our life; maybe resetting our personal compass. Whether you make a formal list of resolutions, or casually give some thought to your Life, I think it's all good. So, with that in mind:

Intention #1 for me is to spend time with family and friends this first day of 2011 and as much as possible in the year ahead.

Intention #2 is to thank Guests of the Scarborough Inn for choosing to stay at our B&B in Ocean City, NJ, we appreciate that very much! And we are especially grateful to those who have posted glowing reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, or other sites - thanks for taking the time to share your pleasure with us and with the world!

Intention #3 is to commit to continually maintain high standards of hospitality and to improve the amenities and choices we offer guests of the Inn.

Whatever your resolutions or intentions for the year ahead...

We look forward to your visit to the Scarborough Inn in 2012 & wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy New Year!

INNsider Tip:
In thinking about Resolutions, I came upon some experts' advise on the subject. You may find these of interest as you ponder the future:

Natural Awakenings - (Wayne Dyer)
http://www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/Natural-Awakenings/December-2011/5-Intentions-for-the-New-Year/

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

150 Days...to Summer!

2011-12-28T09:49:00.001-05:00

Scarborough Inn - winter

It may look like the heart of winter to you, but to many the countdown to summer has begun! A recent story in the Ocean City PATCH (online local news source) confirms that Summer is ONLY 150 days away. Time to begin planning your vacation getaway to the Jersey Shore!

Of course, for those of us at the Scarborough Inn, that means we need to get through our yearly "To-Do List" of winter projects. We are making great progress, I'm happy to report.

The exterior of our historic building received a fresh coat of paint on the north and east facades and the fire escape (west) is newly painted as well. Inside, the main staircase - railings and walls - are painted, too. Our attention now is focused on repainting three guest rooms. New decoration will follow - details later - and all bathroom vanities will be stained to brighten and maintain the natural oak finish.

The gardens have been weeded, trimmed, and fed. Amazingly, a few roses are stubbornly clinging to their vines, but soon all will be slumbering under a blanket of mulch awaiting the renewal of Spring.

I love to use this time to discover and sample new recipes. We try to use locally-sourced fruits and vegetables and create dishes that are fresh, simple, and delicious. Over the years, guests have contributed wonderful recipes, too. What a scrumptious project!

After the new year, the Availability Calendar will be posted so you can make online RESERVATIONS. We look forward to welcoming you to our bed & breakfast inn during the 2012 season - now only 150 days away...and counting!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Happy New Year!

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

A Family Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow; for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Cookie Swap Party

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ever been to a "Cookie Swap Party"?

The basic idea is that you get together with friends, everyone brings cookies, and you exchange them with each other. Each participant bakes multiple batches of just one kind of cookie - the number that you need to supply is predetermined by the hostess - and everyone goes home with a variety of treats. It's also a good idea for the hostess to keep track of which type of cookie each guest will be supplying so you don't all make Chocolate Chip, for example.

It does take a bit of organization, but it's a festive way to celebrate and to share seasonal treats, too.

When I was teaching full time, I would bake the cookies on the weekend prior to the Cookie Swap and prepackage them in plastic bags. This time of year you can find inexpensive bags festooned with snowflakes, Santa, and the like. Or you could attach seasonal stickers, or tie the little bags with ribbons and artificial holly. The options are endless!

Most times, Holiday Cookie Swaps I've attended have been in the evening and each guest also brought an appetizer. The hostess provided beverages and an entree. Seasonal music in the background and her beautifully-decorated home provided the rest of the "magic."

This year, when I decided to host a Holiday Cookie Swap, I discovered that there are many (and I do mean MANY) competing activities from every club, organization, and group imaginable. What to do? I decided to host a Breakfast-time swap! I have a few recipes on hand (ahem) for breakfast casseroles and decided to make "Hash Brown Breakfast Bake" the centerpiece of the meal. Although the recipe calls for bacon, I determined to cook breakfast meats as a side dish to provide guests with options. A fresh fruit salad and an assortment of muffins, biscuits, and fruit breads complete the offerings. I decided to have yogurt on hand, too - just in case... Plus beverages, of course.

With a fairly simple menu we will all have an opportunity to socialize and relax. At the end of the meal, guests will be given a festive box to fill with the little baggies of cookies to take home. You could also use gift bags or holiday trays for this purpose (check your local dollar store!). Alternately, guests could bring their own trays or baskets and refill them as they depart.

In whatever way you arrange your Holiday Cookie Swap Party, have a wonderful time!

INNsider Tips: Our Scarborough Inn Family Cookbook (available online from the Gift Shop) has wonderful recipes for a Cookie Swap - and for other holiday occasions. Or visit this Domino Sugar site for inspiration.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

"Creamy Cauliflower Soup" inspired by Tyler Florence

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Like many good stories about food, this one begins in a Farmer's Market. We were returning home from visiting family and passed a farm stand loaded with seasonal vegetables - chard, beets, squash, potatoes and yams, onions, and cauliflower.

The cauliflower I selected was beautifully fresh, but huge - about 10-inches in diameter. Since I'm usually cooking for just the two of us this time of year, the size presented a challenge. [I used half as a steamed vegetable with baked ham.] What to do with the bounty?

Happily, that evening I was thumbing through the latest issue of House Beautiful and Tyler Florence featured a recipe for Cauliflower Soup in his column. According to the story, he created the recipe for unexpected guests using ingredients he had on hand. (Obviously, Tyler has a more interesting pantry than I do, but I decided to use his recipe for inspiration and "wing it!")

First, he browned tiny leaves from Brussels Sprouts in olive oil to use as a garnish (I skipped this step altogether).

Next, he sauteed cauliflower florets and onion slices in olive oil and a little butter for several minutes until just tender; then he added salt and pepper. I did that, too.

Tyler tied herbs in cheesecloth and added that, plus whole milk, to the vegetables and simmered the mixture until the cauliflower was soft. I didn't have cheesecloth, so I added about 5 sprigs of thyme and two bay Leaves with 21/2 cups of 1% milk (no whole milk, either) until it was fork-tender. I removed the bay leaves and thyme twigs, but left the tiny, cooked herb leaves for added flavor.

The mixture was to be transferred to a blender and mixed until completely smooth. Then tasted for seasonings and served immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice - about 1 tablespoon. The soup is meant to be presented in espresso cups garnished with the aforementioned crispy Brussels Sprout leaves, a tiny bit of salmon roe, and a drop or two of extra-virgin olive oil. The picture of the completed recipe looked lovely!

Lacking many of the above, however, I transferred the Cauliflower Soup to a ceramic pot and put it into the fridge to allow the flavors to blend (that's my story & I'm sticking to it!).

Later, I reheated the soup on low heat and having acquired a little half-and-half, added some for richness with the tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and some freshly-ground sea salt and pepper. I presented it in rustic, small, black pottery bowls garnished with droplets of olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh thyme leaves. Delicious! And that's the point, isn't it?

I really admire Tyler Florence and appreciate his enthusiastic, yet approachable, attitude to food, so I hope I did him proud! Find more of Tyler Florence's RECIPES here.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Special Events - Live Theater at the "Jersey Shore"

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Theater-lovers, plan your vacation getaway at the Scarborough Inn around this great selection of live theater performances - right here in Ocean City.....or in the surrounding area.

Explore these options:

Surflight Theater, Beach Haven, NJ - 2012 Mainstage Schedule -

Cape May Stage, Cape May City, NJ - 2012 Schedule (coming soon)

Ocean City Repertory Theater - OCREP - 813 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ

Greater Ocean City Theater Company - OCTC - 800 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ

INNsider Tip: Check the websites (above) for an updated listing of performances or visit the Scarborough Inn website for a sampling of activities - of all types - and for other live performance or concert opportunities and venues.

Also, remember we're always happy to help with directions to local or area locations for special events and attractions, just ask!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Wanamaker's Department Store & Christmas Memories

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00


John Wanamaker's "Crystal Tea Room"

John Wanamaker's Department Store (now Macy's) in Philadelphia, PA, is part of very precious memories from my childhood. It's Crystal Tea Room was our destination for special occasions with my mother, my sister, and myself. At that time (yes, back in the day) we dressed up to go into the city. That meant Sunday-best dresses and shoes and our best party manners.

Like all good memories, these are gilded with warm emotions, slightly hazy details, and maybe some longing. Hardly anybody gets "dressed up" anymore - no matter the occasion, or the specialness of the event or location.

The Crystal Tea Room was an opulent and impressive room to a child - with warm dark woodpaneling, linen tableclothes and napkins, china place settings, the soft murmurof conversation accompanied by the musical clink of dishes. And of course, those enormous sparkling crystal chandeliers!

We had tea or lunch, visited Santa and the toy department, and alwayswatched the holiday show from the grand rotunda on the main floor. It includeda light show narrated by John Facenda and a musical concert performed onthe Wanamaker organ accompanied by dancing fountains that moved in time to theChristmas Carols being played. Magical!

Today, we take our children and grandchildren to Philadelphia to see a shortened version of the Christmas Spectacular and to enjoy a visit to the huge train display in Reading Terminal. We end the day in the Italian Market busily gathering special foods for a traditional feast and have dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.

John Wanamaker is considered a visionary by many who strive to protect and share his legacy. The opulent department store he created is a precious part of my childhood memories...and, no doubt, part of the fond recollections of many others. I hope our grandchildren have similarily warm recollections of our annual Christmas trip to Philly.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

70th Anniversary - PEARL HARBOR DAY

2011-12-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Remembering the 70th. Anniversary of PEARL HARBOR DAY

and the bravery and sacrifices of the United States Military and their family members.

Wounded Wear

National Park Service

This Day in History

OCNJ Word War II Hero

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Great Gifts for Travelers!

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

These "Great Gifts for Travelers" have two advantages (besides being "great gifts," of course) #1 - they are unique, meaning not necessarily needed and #2 - they can be purchased online while you are comfortably ensconced in a comfy chair, sipping your favorite seasonal libation. Ahhhh, the perfect way to shop for the holidays!

So, here is a short list of suggestions for "Great Gifts for Travelers" -

Universal Solar Charger - for the person who can't leave home without multiple gadgets!

Flexible Camera Tripod - for amazing photos from incredible angles & locations!

Foldable Ballet Flats - great style and great comfort!

Travel-friendly Scrabble - featuring snap-in tiles and a zippered case - neat!

Scarborough Inn Gift Certificates - give the gift of travel to our Ocean City, NJ bed & breakfast with a visit to our online Gift Shop!

INNsider Tip: With appreciation to the Independent Traveler blog for some of these gift suggestions and for helpful travel information, too.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Make-Ahead French Toast - with Pumpkin!

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Make-Ahead Pumpkin French Toast

The holiday season is often packed with activities: to-do lists, baking, decorating, and (hopefully) wonderful memories of time with family and friends. To help keep the focus on "special" and minimize the stress, here's an easy recipe that you can assemble ahead and bake the following morning for a breakfast loaded with seasonal flavors! I think this dish would be perfect with smoky bacon or grilled ham.

We love assemble-ahead breakfast dishes at the inn. The flavors blend beautifully over-night and casseroles also encourage the cook's creativity based on seasonal ingredients and individual tastes or preferences. I hope you enjoy this recipe featuring pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that I found on-line and plan on serving this holiday season.

Find the delicious make-ahead Pumpkin French Toast Recipe here.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-24T03:00:00.000-05:00

On behalf of our family and the Scarborough Inn staff, we are grateful for your support and loyalty. Thank you for choosing to stay at the Scarborough Inn during your Ocean City NJ vacations!

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. -Cicero


Cape May County Sunset

We wish you a special day filled with family & friends, wonderful memories & bountiful food, a grateful heart & a joyful spirit. Have a wonderful day in every way! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Autumn Drinks

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

AUTUMN DRINKS

As i write this, snow (yes, SNOW!) is forecast for the weekend along the East coast. It certainly sounds wintry - with a cold wind moaning around the house. It even looks cold - with heavy gray clouds and brittle colors like charcoal, and navy, and sepia coloring the landscape. Step outside and you'll feel the chilling wind that buffets you along the sidewalk...

Enough! It is time to retreat indoors to enjoy some of the special delights of a cold Autumn day. Light a fire in the fireplace if you can or perhaps select a book or movie to enjoy while wrapped in a cozy afghan. And definitely, prepare a warm Autumn drink to sip as you hibernate for the day.

These "recipes" are far from precise formulations. They are merely suggestions to inspire your creativity and encourage you to make your own warming brew on a cold, Autumn day...and enjoy!

Mocha Coffee -

Empty a packet of hot chocolate mix (I like dark chocolate) into a large coffee mug and fill to the brim with your favorite brewed coffee. Add a little cream if you like, stir until completely combined and sip. A biscotti on the side is optional, but highly recommended.

Mulled Cider -

Early in the day, pour some organic cider (or apple juice) into a crock pot. Add your choice of cinnamon sticks, an apple or orange studded with cloves, a sprinkling of nutmeg, or whatever you have in the cupboard that sounds appealing. Set the crock pot to low and as it warms, the fragrance will waft throughout your home. This would be spectacular with warm homemade gingerbread or bread pudding if you're feeling inspired to bake.

Add some New Jersey Apple Jack to the Mulled Cider right before serving for an especially delicious, warm Autumn libation.

INN-sider Tip: Warm beverages of all kinds are especially appealing in a handmade Scarborough Inn pottery mug; available from our Gift Shop.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Christmas Time River Cruise: A Memorable Experience!

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET

A couple of years ago, we went on a Christmas Time Cruise on the rivers and canals of Europe. That means we were traveling on a small ship - about 100 passengers - and we were close to the passing wintry scenery or lovely historic cities at all times.

We visited about six different countries and as many Christmas Markets. We toured Medieval castles, imposing palaces, and enormous cathedrals; wandered cobble-stoned streets and sipped mulled wine while snow filtered down from star-filled skies. We enjoyed traditional music, home-baked Christmas treats, and traditional ornaments and decorations. It was magical. I felt like we were living in a Christmas card the entire time!

Every Christmas Market was a little different, but all were festive and fabulous! If you would like an unforgettable holiday experience; investigate a European Christmas Time River Cruise. Here are some links for further information:

German Christmas Markets

Best Christmas Markets

AMA Waterways - "Christmas Time Cruise"

INNsider Tip: Make sure the Christmas Markets are actually OPEN during the time of your cruise and bring layers of warm clothing and boots!

[The opinions expressed in these links are the author's own; as in all matter you should use your own judgment and conduct your own research before making any travel decisions.]

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Great Falls National Park

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Great Falls

"Great Falls National Park" in Patterson, NJ recently became part of the National Park Service. In fact, it is the 397th national park in the United States.

Located on 35-acres, the new national park features a 77-foot waterfall - the second largest in the East (Niagara Falls is number one). After the American Revolution, the falls' might was harnessed to provide power for the American Industrial Revolution and to help build the economy.

With a limited and stereotypical reputation, you may be surprised to learn that New Jersey actually boasts thirteen national parks within her boarders - Great Falls is the latest!

INNsider Tip: Next time you visit the Scarborough Inn, ask us about directions to the natural wonders near Ocean City NJ and enjoy the beauty of the Jersey Shore!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City Website

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

OCEAN CITY BEACH

Ocean City has recently launched a NEW tourism website design and it looks fabulous! The result of a partnership between the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean City Tourism Development Commission, the new website design sports a clean, fresh, appealing appearance - plus improved ease of navigation!

The collaboration was begun in the spring of 2011 and completed in October.

The Scarborough Inn may be found on the city website under the category "Where to Stay" and "Bed & Breakfasts." There's also loads of information about shopping, dining, special events & activities, and general information about the island. The new design is a beautiful representation of and introduction to "America's Greatest Family Resort" - congratulations to all those who made the new tourism website design possible.

INN-sider Tip - We look forward to welcoming you to our Bed & Breakfast, please visit our Inn's website!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Improving Cell Phone Reception

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Remember that ad about cell phone reception - "can you hear me now?"

Vacationers to Ocean City NJ, may not see the humor in it, however, if they were trying to use cell phones or laptops during the height of the season. That's because reception has been poor when the local population increases so dramatically and with it the use of wireless devices. In fact, it's been reported that 100,000 people compete for bandwidth during busy summer weekends!

The good news is that NextG Networks recently presented a proposal to City Council to "dramatically expand the capability of the local network," according to a company spokesperson. This company plans, builds, and operates equipment used by cell phone companies. They hope to install 12 new antennas throughout the the area between First Street and Twelfth Street to address cell phone reception issues.

AT&T reports that usage increased an amazing 8,000% between 2007 and 1010! So, this system is clearly needed for vacationers and local businesses alike; we'll be keeping an eye on this situation.

INNsider Tip: The Scarborough Inn provides complimentary wireless Internet for guests - just one of our "modern amenities."

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Cheers to November!

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

I just learned about a liqueur made of elderflowers that are picked in the Alps. These delicate white flowers grow in the wild and are harvested in the spring for just a few short weeks.

They are hand-picked and transformed into a libation that the website describes as, "...neither passionfruit nor pear, grapefruit nor lemon, the sublime taste of St-Germain hints at each of these and yet none of them exactly. It is a flavor as subtle and delicate as it is captivating."

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Here is a recipe using this unique liqueur; hope you enjoy it and the upcoming holiday season - Cheers!

St. Germain Cocktail

2 oz vodka
1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
3/4 oz white cranberry juice
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well, strain, & pour into cocktail glasses. Cheers!

INNsider Tip: Visit the St. Germain website to learn more about this unique liqueur and for additional recipes.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Halloween Celebration!

2011-10-28T15:52:00.000-04:00

Jeeves, Canine Concierge, in Halloween costume

It's a sure sign of Fall when Ocean City residents and visitors get involved in our annual Halloween celebration - that literally - lasts for days! The first signs of the season are the cornstalks and mums that festoon the Boardwalk and Downtown Ocean City giving the entire city a festive appearance.

And then the Special Events begin!

October 27 - annual Halloween Parade down Asbury Avenue

October 28 - "Poe Evermore" - a candlelit performance of some of Edgar Allan Poe's most chilling stories at the OC Repertory Theater (Saturday night also), 8PM, admission $10.

"Lost at Sea" - a costume party at the Flanders to benefit C.A.P. (Community Art Project - a local organization that beautifies public spaces with art), 7 to 11PM, $65. per person.

October 29 - Trick-or-Treat in the Downtown - 2 to 4PM on Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets

October 30 - Trick or Trot - a 5k run plus 1-mile fun walk sponsored by the Upper Township Soccer Association beginning at 7:30AM in front of the Ocean City Music Pier.

"Something Wicked This Way Comes" - featuring selections from the award-winning Broadway musical, Wicked at the OC Repertory Theater, 8PM, Admission $10./ $5. if you're in costume.

October 31 - Trick or Treat in Ocean City from 5 to 8PM (children should be accompanied by adults)

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

2011-10-26T08:07:00.002-04:00

APPLE CINNAMON PANCAKES

It's such fun to reflect the tastes of the season on our breakfast plate, so today I made "Apple Cinnamon Pancakes." These celebrate Fall and Jersey Fresh apples, too, and are so easy to make.

OK, I confess, I frequently use a boxed pancake mix as the basis for this recipe. I select one that features whole wheat and try to find one that is organic, as well, but I imagine it will work with whatever you have on hand. Just follow the basic instructions on the package.

This morning, I mixed the batter with one egg, vegetable oil, and buttermilk (because it was in the fridge & we enjoy the slightly tangy flavor). Any kind of milk works. However, buttermilk is thick so you may need to thin the batter with a little water until it's the consistency you prefer.

Then...add some cinnamon to taste. I use the kind with a built-in grinder because I like it freshly ground and I use about 1/2 teaspoon. Next, I cut up about 1/2 of a small, crisp, flavorful Jersey Fresh apple into small chunks and add it to the batter. Naturally, the apple is washed and cored, but I do not remove the skin because it contains lots of nutrients and beautiful color. Alternately, you could sprinkle the apple chunks on top of pancakes on the grill before flipping them. Either way, the apples melt slightly on the griddle, but retain some crispness and bright, fresh flavor.

Thinly slice the remainder of the apple to garnish the plate of pancakes and sprinkle ground cinnamon over all. Serve with warm 100% pure maple syrup (there's no comparison, is there?) and maybe a side of scrapple - if you're from the Philly area - or sausage links.

Enjoy the delicious-ness of Autumn on your breakfast plate!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Best Holiday Gift Ideas: Jams & Jellies

2011-10-20T07:56:00.001-04:00

Best Holiday Gift Ideas

I start thinking about holiday gifts in August - literally. And while that may seem early, it allows you to spread the expenses out over several months and increases the chance of an enjoyable holiday season with the focus on family and friends. In addition, you can catch sales and specials along the way. So, it's all good!

When I spotted a recent article in the AC Press about Dan (Jennifer's husband) Freeman's new business venture, "Big Bad Dad's Jams & Jellies," I immediately thought - holiday gift!

Read the complete article and note that it contains contact information if unique jams and jellies are on your Gift-giving List this year!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City NJ, Route 52 Bridge Disappearing...

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

9th. Street Bridge - the old & the new

As many long-time visitors to Ocean City NJ know, our little island is connected to the mainland by bridges. For a number of years now, the main connecting bridge (Route 52/ 9th. Street) has been in the process of being replaced by a new, modern span. As it nears completion, the older bridge and causeway are being successively replaced or have become obsolete.

This process is at a very interesting juncture at the moment with a section of the old roadway containing the drawbridge, locked in an upright position, and currently isolated on its own islet in the bay. Soon, this final vestige will completely disappear, too.

This interesting phenomena was covered in a recent article (with stunning photographs!) in OC PATCH - by Douglas Bergen. See the link below for the full story:

http://oceancity.patch.com/articles/ninth-street-bridge-disappearing-ship-channel-to-close#photo-7964508

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Jersey Shore: Preserve Those Memories!

2011-10-10T10:53:00.001-04:00

Sailboats at the Bayside Center

OC Boardwalk Golf Course

It is a beautiful day in Ocean City NJ - a redux of a perfect summer day...sans humidity! And that makes it a perfect day to preserve your memories in photographs of the beach, boardwalk, bay, downtown...whatever you particularly love about our island community.

This winter, your photographs will be reminders of happy days and special places at the Jersey Shore!

Ocean City Jetty

Sunset Over the Bay

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City NJ, "Indian Summer" Events

2011-10-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

Downtown Ocean City NJ

HISTORY: What eventually evolved into Ocean City's Indian Summer Weekend block party, was started 32 years ago, in an effort to extend business in the spring and fall season. City Public Relations Director, Mark Soifer, noticed a neighborhood block party on Haven Avenue and thought that maybe a downtown block party might be a good event for the community. Jean Mimnaugh, who was working with Soifer at the time, agreed. She said: "And I know lots of crafters who would like to be part of it."

The first block party was held in the spring of 1983. It was two blocks long. It became so successful that four years later Norman Bock, who was then president of the Retail Merchants Assn., urged the City to schedule a second one in the fall.

Over the years the City and Retail Merchants Assn. have run the block parties. The person who brought the events to a new level of organization and effectiveness was the late Carolyn Murphy, owner of Boyd's TV with her husband Charles. Carolyn ran the programs for over 15 years. The Chamber of Commerce staff now coordinates the events with the merchants and a volunteer committee.

The BLOCK PARTY became the centerpiece of a Fall Festival, the Indian Summer Weekend. It is always scheduled for the Saturday of the Columbus Day Weekend. Over 400 craft people will participate. Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be entertainment, plenty of food booths, and free pony rides for children.

Boardwalk Merchants have helped to extend the celebration through the weekend. They will also present a huge FIREWORKS DISPLAY scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Saturday off the 9th Street Beach

There will be a SEAFOOD FEST at the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, Oct. 8-10. Boardwalk and Downtown Merchants will hold TABLE SALES on these days, as well.

There's more! The Ocean City Tabernacle, 5th and Wesley Ave., will present a Block Party Concert at 7 p.m., Sat., Oct. 8 featuring the Atlantic Brass, a 30 piece British-style group, winners of the North American BRASS BAND competition. Tickets are $15 at the door, $13 in advance, call (609)399-1915.

NEW THIS YEAR is a three day FREE Music Festival, produced by Bubba Mac, the Blues Band icon assisted by J.T. Williams of JT Productions, Oct. 7-9 inside the Music Pier and on the Boardwalk. The concerts will be held Friday evening at the Pier, Saturday evening at the Pier and at 6th and 9th Sts. on the Boardwalk and Sunday afternoon at the Pier. The program will feature a variety of music including blues, rock, classic rock, reggae, gospel and Christian rock. For a complete schedule access www.bubbamac.com or OCEAN CITY PATCH or call the Public Relations Office, (609) 525-9300.

Parking is Free on City Lots all weekend.

(Oct.8) Also on Indian Summer Weekend Stephen Serwatka will present his NEW JERSEY NATURE Program at the Bayside Center 5th and Bay Ave. at 1 p.m. This is a fun, educational session with wild and tame animals. Admission is free. Sponsor is the Ocean City Gardens Civic Assn.

(Oct. 9) Another highlight of the Indian Summer Weekend will be the OPERAFEST, brought to Ocean City by talented soprano, Nancy Fox, who operates Fox Vocal Arts. The opera LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD will be performed on Sunday, 4 p.m. at St. Peters United Methodist Church, 8th and Central Ave.
The Opera will feature German students from the Westerland area and their American counterparts who worked together last May in Germany under the direction of Fox and their German teachers. Admission is by donation. For up-front seating, call Fox Vocal Arts, (609) 399-7291.

[information from "What's Happening in Ocean City?" press release]

INNsider Tip: Guests of the Scarborough Inn park free on our on-site parking lot and can walk to all events. Enjoy this fabulous fall weekend!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Cape May: Birding in the Fall

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Cape May County (of which Ocean City is the northernmost community) is world-renowned for birding! Not only for the variety of seabirds and shore birds that inhabit the area year round, but more especially because the area is part of an important migratory flyway. That means we are often hosting a wide variety of birds heading north...or heading south...on their regular migrations.

Having gone birding a few times, I can attest to the fact that it is truly an awesome experience to have the opportunity to view such a wide variety of birds - from all over the world!

Wild New Jersey recently posted an article about Fall birding in Cape May County and kindly granted permission for it to appear in the Scarborough Inn blog with sincere thanks to David Wheeler (see below).

http://wildnewjersey.tv/2011/10/01/cape-may-times-birds-by-the-month-october.aspx?ref=rss&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Cape May Wineries: New Wines Delight!

2011-10-01T09:05:00.001-04:00

CAPE MAY WINERY

We visited one of our favorite Cape May Wineries recently to sample some new wines that will soon be bottled and ready for purchase. Trying the latest vintages is like unwrapping a gift - it is a surprise and a delight to discover the latest tastes and intriguing characteristics of the wines.

As members of the Cape May Winery Case Club, a couple of times a year we are invited to sample the latest offerings. Of course, the public is welcome to visit for a wine tasting; tours are frequently offered, as well. In lovely weather, it is pleasant to enjoy a glass of wine - and possibly a cheese plate - on the winery's expansive deck overlooking some of the vines.

During our recent visit, we sampled four wines accompanied by a selection of appetizers. The new wines, with descriptions provided by experts, are:

2009 Isaac Smith Syrah - "aromas of blackberry jam & cloves, smooth, finishes with just enough spice & tannin to cleanse the palate."

2009 Issac Smith Cabernet Sauvignon - "well balanced with a seductive nose, loaded with cola & spice, finishes with hints of vanilla and soft oak."

2009 Issac Smith Merlot - "lovely mix of fruit & wintergreen on the nose, drinks easy with dark berry flavors & smoky oak on the palate, finishes with spicy tannins & herbal sweetness."

2010 Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay: "A blast of melon & peach upfront with subtle notes of lemon zest, light butter & citrus on the palate, ending with a soft oak finish."

The Cape May Wine Trial winds throughout the County and is a lovely drive - and convenient to the Scarborough Inn - in all seasons. Cheers!

INNsider Tip: It's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours and other details. Cape May Winery & Vineyards (609) 884-1169.

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

5 "Signs of Fall Season"

2011-09-27T14:34:00.000-04:00

Here in Ocean City NJ, there are some "Signs of Fall Season" that are unique to the Jersey Shore!

1. Bicycles are permitted on the Boardwalk at all hours (exceptions = Saturdays through October 8)

2. Parking meters are deactivated beginning October 1

3. No Beach Patrol protection (caution!)

4. Route 52 Causeway & Bridge onto the island will be one lane in each direction until May, 2012 when the construction project is due for completion!

5. SALES! Shop Downtown Asbury Avenue & the Boardwalk for great selection and prices; then treat yourself to a tasty lunch or dinner, too.

Through October 9, INDIAN SUMMER WEEKEND, stay at the Scarborough Inn and enjoy these - and many other - delights of fall at the shore!

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City Bayfront: Spectacular Sunset

2011-09-24T20:20:00.000-04:00

After a week of rain and gray skies...tonight there is an awesome sunset!

First, a wide swath of the western sky is filled with a golden glow, then it transforms to fluorescent pink-orange with streaks of blue and purple. Finally, it fades to velvety black as the sun sinks behind the horizon...

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Great Fall Recipes: Apple Butter

2011-09-22T05:13:00.001-04:00

Apples are certainly among the most popular flavors of fall and the inspiration for countless delicious apple recipes! It makes my mouth water to think of all the different varieties of apples and the many yummy dishes to be created from them. Apple pie, applesauce, apple-walnut salad...

Recently, I had the unique opportunity to witness the making of Apple Butter - the old-fashioned way. Meaning, the apple butter was cooked in an enormous copper pot over an open fire.

Pounds of "Delicious" apples (I forgot to ask how many pounds) had to be peeled, cored, and sliced; and then piled into huge tubs in preparation for cooking. Starting at 6am, a wood fire was lit and a copper pot was placed above the flames - but not touching the flames - and the apples were added.

"Delicious" apples prepared for cooking

Then a team of women, working in 30-minute shifts, began stirring the apples constantly as they cooked. The work went on all day. Steam filled the little cook house as they worked and the apples became soft, and bubbly, and fragrant.

Cooking the apples

A specially-designed wooden paddle was used for stirring the hot fruit. It had a wide, rounded bottom to reach the entire surface of the copper pot to prevent burning and a long L-shaped handle so that the women could keep a safe distance from the bubbling fruit. As they worked, more apples were added to the pot and more wood was added to the fire. The stirring continued non-stop all day long.

Using a specially-designed stirring paddle

Finally, sugar and vanilla was added to the warm fruit - now a rich, brown color - and the mixture was allowed to cool a bit. Then it was carefully ladled into jars and allowed to cool completely for storage. The result was over 500 jars of apple butter! And a new appreciation for traditional cooking methods!

Apple Butter!

If you would like to try making Apple Butter this fall (but lack a huge copper pot, an open fire, and a team of cooks), try this recipe from this English B&B and enjoy! Apple Butter recipe from Hopton House B&B

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Treasure Hunters at the Jersey Shore!

2011-09-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

It sounds exciting when you learn about treasure hunters discovering some hidden hoard of gold...silver...or other artifacts from sunken ships or hapless tourists. But the truth is that there's both an art and a science to being a detectorist as related in this recent article from New Jersey Monthly titled "Watching the Detectors."

An open beach hunt in Belmar.

Photo by Bjoern Kils.

Detectorist Brian Mayer at Margate Beach.

Photo by Bjoern Kils.

A 1778 Spanish real coin that Mayer found on a New Jersey beach.

Photo by Bjoern Kils.

It’s low tide the morning after the early September day when Hurricane Earl brushed the New Jersey coast. To the naked eye, Earl left hardly a trace when he passed through last year, but in the beach town of Margate, Brian Mayer senses the storm surge may have churned up gold.

Mayer had been tracking Earl’s approach all week, updating the Facebook page where he shares information about the storm. Now that the seas have settled, he is ready to hit the beach in his hunting best: neoprene socks, a “Powered by Minelab” T-shirt and a pair of bright yellow shorts—perhaps meant to attract that precious, nonferrous metal of a similar sunny hue.

Just to the north, Atlantic City casino-goers are hoping to get lucky at the tables and take home a bit of treasure. Mayer hopes to get lucky, too, but in his own fashion.

Equipped with his Minelab Excalibur, Mayer dons his headphones and scans the sand, waiting for a familiar beep. He’s mainly listening for the pitch—some metals yield a flatter tone, others, sharper—and for the signal strength, which will vary depending on the type of metal and how close the object is to the surface.

Finally, he hears a tone and makes the call: a penny. Then he thrusts a scoop with a 5-foot-long handle into the sand, loading up its sieve and drawing it back to the surface. He shakes the sieve until the prize clinks at the bottom like a coin tumbling from a slot machine. And there it is, as only ears with 30 years’ experience could have predicted: a copper Abe Lincoln encrusted in sand.

Not all the bounty reaped by these intrepid hobbyists, known as detectorists, is penny-ante. Yes, they typically turn up common coins and plenty of scrap metal. But bigger prizes are there for the taking if you know your stuff. For pros like Mayer, hunting is a science, involving a knowledge of tides, weather systems, and erosional and depositional patterns.

For skilled detectorists, the hobby pays for itself, yet many claim that profits are secondary to the thrill of the hunt. There are diamond rings out there, gold chains, Mercury dimes, Indian-head pennies, perhaps even some old French and Spanish coins waiting to be discovered.

There’s an art to this too. Mayer doesn’t just stroll along the shoreline. He carves a W pattern from mid-beach to the water in search of the treasure zone. “Things of like density stick together,” he says. His method starts to reveal a 10-foot swath of beach that most frequently sounds the alarm. He homes in on this zone, hears another beep and in goes the scoop.

From a sunbather’s perspective, metal detectorists are slightly quirky retirees who wear high socks with shorts and have nothing better to do than prowl for scrap. People often ask them, “Do you ever actually find anything?”

Even Mayer, an imposing 6-foot-tall bike-patrol officer at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City, has heard the wisecracks. He fends them off with a cold glare—then turns his attention back to the potential prizes.

Detectorists live for special moments—like a couple years ago when a beach-replenishment project just south of Margate spewed hundreds of 18th–century Spanish reales onto the shore, touching off a frenzy among local detectorists.

Mayer holds up a silver eight-real piece dated 1778, its sparkle belying the fact that it had been sitting on the ocean floor for hundreds of years. “You get this rush of history, knowing that you’re the first to touch it since the ship sank, probably in the 1700s,” Mayer says. The coin in question is valued at about $250. “It would have been worth more if we knew what wreck it came from,” he observes, adding that its existence suggests there are scores of other coins to be found.

In fact, mariners have been frequenting New Jersey’s coastal waters for centuries, and many a ship has wrecked just offshore. Dredges try not to disturb these relics, but sometimes they err, or the wrecks are unmapped.

More typically, detectorists find less antiquated booty, including gold chains accidentally brushed off beach blankets and diamond rings that slip off unlucky bathers’ fingers as they contract in the cold water. These are hardly easy finds, but with the right gear—and plenty of perseverance—detectorists can increase their likelihood of digging up what they call good targets.

Ron DeGhetto runs a metal detector business out of his home in Raritan. His showroom is stocked with dozens of models from the top makers—Minelab, White’s, Garrett. Some say there are differences among the brands, but more important are the differences in technology. A pulse-induction machine will sound the alarm for any metal, while other machines can be set to discriminate among metals. Some models—including Mayer’s Excalibur—are made to slip beneath the waves, allowing detectors to hunt right in the surf rather than waiting for the tide to wash the targets ashore. Prices for metal detectors range from $150 up to $1,500.

There are also different machines for different types of locations. While metal detecting is typically associated with the beach, New Jersey’s history makes it ideal for hunting battlefield war relics.

DeGhetto keeps Revolutionary War officers’ buttons on display in a cabinet in his shop, along with other favorite objects like coins from the 1700s minted by New Jersey and Connecticut—long before there was a federal agency to do so. Many of his treasures are found on farms and fields to which he has been granted access. Rarely does he have a clue as to what he is pulling out of the ground.

“It’s made me somewhat of a historian,” DeGhetto says, acknowledging that some pieces require a lot of research to identify. “Every find has a story.”

Good beach detectorists also have to be meteorologists and geologists, because knowing weather patterns and coastal formations makes for better decisions about where to search. Mayer highlights the basics on his YouTube channel, Surfdigger. Rule number 1: hunt during low tide—there’s more surface area. Two, a full moon brings a lower low tide than a new moon. Three, brave the cold and hunt during winter. That’s when storms sweep sands out to sea, doing the digging for you. Summer poses more of a challenge because that’s when sand is redeposited—and beachgoers may get in the way.

For skilled detectorists, the hard work pays off. Mayer says his $1,000 machine paid for itself in six months; by his estimate, he pulls in $500 to $600 a year in coins alone, not counting jewelry—some of which has gone up sharply in value with the rising price of gold.

Yet beach detectorists are not just heartless hoarders. If there’s a way of finding the owner of a piece of jewelry, many say they will pursue it. Tracing class rings to their owners is relatively easy; wedding rings carved only with initials present more of a puzzle.

There are several metal-detecting clubs in the state and members are always willing to help someone looking for lost valuables. Contact information on their websites can help connect a panicked beachgoer with a detectorist in their area.

Detectorist Joe DeMarco of Millville, who runs a retail shop that sells detecting equipment, recalls seeing a man painstakingly combing the beach in Ocean City. When the man saw DeMarco’s gadget, he asked for help finding the wedding ring his bride had placed on his finger only two weeks earlier. Soon it was jingling in DeMarco’s scoop. Weeks later, DeMarco received a thank-you note from the relieved groom, handwritten on a wedding invitation.

“I keep all my thank you letters,” DeMarco says. “When it comes down to it, I do a lot of things just because. There’s no rhyme or reason. I just want to help people.”

The South Jersey Metal Detecting Club, of which DeMarco served as president for five years, posts similar stories on its website. Seekers can also reach out to the Mid-Jersey Research & Recovery Club and Deep Search Metal Detecting Club, among others. All clubs and individual detectors are bound by a code of ethics, which includes returning finds to rightful owners whenever possible. Another tenet: Always fill in your holes, lest kids or runners fall in and sprain an ankle.

And never, ever, hunt in a crowd, flinging sand into beachgoers’ eyes. Those who don’t follow the rules give other detectorists a bad name, says Mayer.

Yet nothing bothers Mayer as much as improper technique. After about an hour on the beach in Margate, yielding only a few pennies, nickels and quarters, Mayer sees two men approach from the direction of Atlantic City, rapidly swinging their metal detectors like pendulums and walking parallel to the ocean—two big mistakes. Keeping the detector head parallel to the sand at all times and using the W pattern is more effective, Mayer says.

“I don’t call that competition,” he whispers just before stopping to chat. The men have traveled from just outside Philadelphia but haven’t found anything good; so much for the first big storm of the season.

Even when you play your cards right, the hobby “can be very frustrating,” Mayer admits. Still, he’ll probably go home with a few more coins in his pockets than many of the casino revelers just to the north.

Ocean City Attractions: The Cheese Board in Linwood NJ

2011-09-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

The Cheese Board

Sometimes, "Ocean City Attractions" may be found in our neighboring communities! In fact, just one of the great things about our little island community is that it not only has a multitude of attractions, activities, and special events itself - but, it is also conveniently located to a wealth of things to see and do in the surrounding area.

One of these fun destinations is "Central Square" in Linwood, NJ. Home to a nice selection of shops in a little faux-village setting, Central Square is an accessible and interesting place to go for a shopping excursion. A highlight of such a trip is lunch at The Cheese Board, located near the front of the complex. This cafe/store combination has a bright and casual ambiance and features delicious, freshly prepared, and interesting selections for lunch or take-out.

Here's how it works for lunch. Upon entering, take a look at the enormous board for the current selections - most of which are soups, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Then join the line to order your choices and sample some little tidbits of cheese or dips in the process. You'll give your name to the order-taker and select a table - inside or outdoors. While waiting for your lunch to arrive, you can also help yourself to your beverage of choice and any sides (potato chips, cookies) that you can't resist.

Your name will be called and lunch delivered to your table. This server will add the price of anything additional you have chosen. Bon appetit!

When you have finished lunch (and perhaps selected some additional goodies to take home), pay for everything at the cash register. Easy. Fun. Delicious.

The Cheese Board, 23 Central Square, Linwood, NJ (609) 653-8088

INNsider Tip: The Cheese Board in Central Square also has beautiful gift baskets if you need a special gift to take home; plus party trays & gourmet speciality items.

Ocean City NJ: "International Coastal Clean-Up Day"

2011-09-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

Sand Dune, Ocean City NJ Beach

You're invited to participate in "International Coastal Clean-Up Day" on Saturday, September 17, 2011. This annual event, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy, is designed to focus attention on the problem of trash and the seashore environment. Not only is debris a great danger to marine mammals, birds, and sea turtles , but it also poses a risk to human health and safety, too.

If you are visiting the Scarborough Inn on September 17, we hope you ill consider joining the effort to help clean our precious, coastal environment.

Perhaps even more importantly, when visiting the Ocean City NJ Beach and Boardwalk, we ask that you treat EVERY day as Coastal Clean-Up Day!

INNsider Tip: To learn more about 2011 "International Coastal Clean-Up Day" click here.

NEW JERSEY Remembers 9-11

2011-09-11T04:00:00.000-04:00

Really love this collection of photographs of the Twin Towers, and the memories, collected by Ocean City Patch (see link below).

Today, let's all pause and remember...

http://oceancity.patch.com/articles/patch-readers-remember-the-twin-towers-21

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

"Jersey Fresh" Corn Recipes

2011-09-10T07:00:00.001-04:00

"Jersey Fresh" at the OC Farmer's Market

Sure, "Jersey Fresh" corn is delicious on the cob, but it is also versatile and absolutely scrumptious in a wide variety of recipes. Here's a sampling:

1. Corn on the Cob - I prefer Bi-colored Corn (the kernels are yellow and white) fresh from the Ocean City Farmer's Market. Strip the husk and silk just before cooking in the microwave - for up to 10 minutes - on full power. Microwaves differ, so experiment until you achieve the results you prefer. This method means less clean-up and heat in the kitchen - always a benefit in summer!

We enjoy corn on the cob a little al dente and served with butter, salt, and pepper. For a savory twist, sprinkle the corn with Old Bay seasoning - the spicy seasoning is great with the sweet, tender corn.

2. Corn Pancakes - cook extra corn on the cob, remove the kernels and store in the fridge overnight to use in your favorite pancake recipe for breakfast - or follow these instructions.

If you want to use your favorite pancake mix, just stir reserved corn kernels into the batter, and cook as usual. Try them topped with local honey or cinnamon butter; perhaps with grilled ham on the side.

3. Heather's Corn Salsa - this recipe from allRecipes.com features corn plus other "Jersey Fresh" vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. When these ingredients are in season, use them fresh from the market - just blanch corn and then allow additional time for the flavors to blend.

This Corn Salsa recipe would be great with tortilla chips, as a side with grilled chicken, or in tacos. It is colorful and tangy - like a food fiesta!

Things to Do in Ocean City & in Cape May County NJ

2011-09-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Scarborough Inn

It may be fall, but there are many things to do & places to go in Ocean City and throughout Cape May County. Here's just a sampling organized by location:

Things to Do in Ocean City NJ -

Ocean City Community Center (Ocean City)
        1735 Simpson Ave. Call 609-398-6900
        Enjoy the Arts Center, Library, and Historical Museum - all in one location!
        [TIP - make time for lunch at Yanni's Cafe, also on site]

Check the Scarborough Inn website for Special Events in September & October.

LIKE our facebook page for updates on special events & local activities. Use the Inn's blog as on online Travel Guide - both great resources when planning your vacation!

Things to Do in Cape May County NJ -

Cape May Stage (Cape May) -

      "Steel Magnolias" thru September 10, Tues. - Sun, 8PM
"The Woolgatherer" September 14 - October 22, Wed. - Sun, 8PM
[TIP - try Dinner and a Show package for either production]

Designer Show House (Cape May) -
      Osprey Landing, 109 Roseman's Lane thru October 30, admission.
      Call 800-275-4278

Cape May County Park & Zoo (Cape May Court House) -
Open 7 days, weather permitting, 10A - 3:45P Call 609-465-5271
      [TIP - look for the Albino Alligator & baby Snow Leopard]

Leaming's Run Gardens (North Cape May Court House) -
      1845 Route #9 - open thru October 10 Adults $8. /Children $4.
      Call 609-465-5871
      [TIP - bring a camera & a picnic]

10th Anniversary of September 11...from Jersey

2011-09-07T14:16:00.000-04:00

VISIT THIS LINK - http://placenamehere.com/2001-09-11/

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Ocean City NJ, Boardwalk - Labor Day Weekend 2011

2011-09-05T07:03:00.000-04:00

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk as night falls

Amusement Pier

Miniature Golf, anyone?

Carol & Gus, Innkeepers
Scarborough Inn
an Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast

Jersey Shore Restaurants: Louisa's

2011-09-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

LOUISA'S

Louisa's in Cape May,NJ

104 Jackson Street

Cape May, NJ 08204

609.884.5882

On the way out of Louisa's, I picked up their business card; it's the perfect metaphor for this petite restaurant in Cape May! The card is fluorescent pink with a simple pen-and-ink sketch of a sailboat and the pertinent information about the eatery (location, phone - nothing else).

Ambiance

Louisa's succeeds because it has a comfortable, slightly funky vibe and offers beautifully fresh food, simply prepared & presented. No trendiness, no pretension. In fact, the sides (brown rice & refreshing, homemade coleslaw) have remained the same for as long as I can remember and the decor is the essentially the same, as well. The naïf style art on the walls is echoed on the business card. Together, it makes for a unique and pleasant atmosphere. Still, the emphasis here is on the food, glorious food!

Service

The restaurant is small - it reminds me of a European cafe - yet the servers move about with practiced ease. Our server knew the menu well, and in detail, and was efficient in a friendly, casual manner.

Food

Our reservation was for 6:15 and the table was waiting for us when we arrived. As we perused the blackboard for the evening's offerings - emphasis on seafood & fresh veggies - some items were already being erased! We began to panic...oh, no...not the desserts!

Two of our party selected a salad of Iceberg lettuce with onion slices and beet cubes in a vinaigrette, my husband had plum tomatoes with mozzarella, and I had a carrot & tomato gazpacho garnished with small cubes of fresh, raw vegetables. All choices where tasty, refreshing, summery starters.

For entrees, grilled salmon was tender with a slight smokiness from the grill and two sauces on the side because my sister couldn't decide on just one! Fresh flounder was accompanied with cucumber-dill sauce, my four mini crab cakes included a generous helping of homemade tarter, and the fourth selection was swordfish with fresh fruit salsa. All had ample portions of the aforementioned sides, too. Everyone was delighted with their selections - bright colors, fresh flavors, beautifully prepared!

We were able to save room for dessert:) Among us, we enjoyed Panne Cotta with fresh strawberry sauce, warm peach cobbler, and the two "chocoholics" choose dark chocolate pie with apricot-peach sauce and rich semi-sweet chocolate tart. Delicious! All desserts included a cloud of softly whipped cream.

Eating at Louisa's is like coming home...it's a comfortable setting with scrumptious, fresh foods, lovingly prepared - what could be better?

Price

The night we were there, starters were just under $7, entrees hovered around $20, and desserts were about $6. Not inexpensive, but comparable to many Cape May restaurants in price. If budget is an issue, you could forego appetizer or dessert...but who would want to?

Details

Louisa's is BYO. Cash only. Children are welcome until 7PM only and there is no dedicated child's menu. Not handicapped accessible due to tight quarters and steps.

INNsider Tip:

Allow about an hour from the Scarborough Inn to reach the restaurant via the Garden State Parkway; we will be happy to assist with directions. Parking is always an issue in Cape May. If possible, park in the public lot on Jackson Street (visit the kiosk to pay for the space) and walk about a block to the restaurant. Conveniently, you will pass Collier's Liquor Store where you can purchase a bottle of wine to accompany your meal. Bon appétit!

Ocean City NJ: APPS for Beach Lovers

2011-09-03T07:00:00.001-04:00


Tracks on the Ocean City Beach

Planning a trip to Ocean City NJ?

Here at the Scarborough Inn we have a number of books about our island and the local environment in the Inn's Library (just one of the Common Areas at the Scarborough). It's interesting to learn about the unique attributes of the place you are visiting and we hope you enjoy these resources.

If you have a smart phone, you may be interested in these apps mentioned in a recent post from the "Beach Chair Scientist" - 13 APPS For Your Day at the Beach!

Ocean City NJ: Operation First Response: "Walk for the Wounded" on October 1

2011-09-01T07:00:00.007-04:00

"Ocean City Home Bank donated $5,000 ...and set a goal to help raise $45,000 for the third annual Operation First Response: Walk for the Wounded, an October 1 event in Ocean City NJ that benefits wounded soldiers and their families," according to a recent report in OC Patch.

Three well-known basketball coaches participated in the kick-off announcement: Phil Martelli (St. Joseph's University), Fran Dunphy (Temple University) and Chris Ford (former coach of 76ers and other NBA teams). Operation First Response, is the non-profit beneficiary of this fundraising effort and the most compelling speaker was retired US Marine Sgt. Matthew Sonderman. He was assisted personally by Operation First Response after being seriously wounded during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.

When he arrived at a military hospital in Texas for surgery and rehabilitation, his family was waiting for him -- their travel and accommodations paid for by Operation First Response.

"It meant so much to have my family there with me," Sonderman said in an Ocean City Patch article, "and Operation First Response made that happen."

To participate in the Ocean City walk to benefit Operation First Response on the Boardwalk Saturday, October 1, 2011, click "Walk for the Wounded" to learn more or to register for the event.

You are invited to make a donation to this very worthwhile organization, even if you are not walking in this event.

To learn more about OPERATION FIRST RESPONSE

Scarborough Inn: Recipe "Good-bye Irene Cookies"

2011-08-31T15:20:00.000-04:00

During the time Hurricane Irene was passing Ocean City NJ, I read a tweet by The Cook's Tour offering a recipe for cookies to make during the storm. Until we returned from Mandatory Evacuation that was impossible, but once home again I decided to bake the cookies...but with a twist. I decided to follow the recipe - but only using what I had on hand. Because, after all, in the middle of a hurricane one does not run out to the supermarket.**

Happily, I had most of the basics on hand - flour, white & brown sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and so on. I did not have raisins (not a big fan), so I decided to substitute grated coconut. And I wasn't sure I had enough oatmeal and it was not "rolled oats," but I decided to proceed and see what happened. I did have chocolate chips - because I always have chocolate chips.

Experts suggest that when you're cooking you can be creative; but when baking you must follow the recipe, so this would be uncharted cookie territory!

Even with my casual approach to following this recipe, the cookies are delicious and easy to make, too! The recipe did not specify to grease the cookie sheets, but I sprayed them with a little Pam and think that was a good call as they seemed to stick a little. The directions also indicated that there would be about 32 cookies. I think the recipe yielded more than that, but I can't be positive because some of the cookies seemed to disappear before i could count them. Puzzling...

"Good-bye Irene Cookies"

Apparently the original recipe is from Martha Stewart:

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES (or "Good-bye Irene Cookies")

If you prefer a crispier texture, bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 16 to 20 minutes.

Everyday Food, January/February 2005

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Yield Makes 32

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar (mine was a light & dark brown combo)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (see confession, below)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups rolled oats (I used quick oats)
1 1/2 cups raisins (I substituted grated coconut; cransins might be good, too)
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used what was left in the bag)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla; beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add flour mixture; beat until just combined. Add oats, raisins, and chocolate chips; beat until just combined.
Drop 32 heaping tablespoons of batter, about 1 1/2 inches apart, onto (sprayed with cooking spray) baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until cookies have spread and are golden brown and soft to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on sheets; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

These cookies are delicious with a cold glass of milk! Scarborough Inn guests will be enjoying these during Afternoon Refreshments today!

INNsider Tip:
**In the interest of full disclosure, I confess I went out to buy eggs before baking these cookies since I only had one in the fridge - I hard-cooked most of the eggs as part of my storm-prep.

Note to Self: always have a few eggs on hand for baking during an evacuation.

Cape May County: Horseshoe Crabs & Red Knots

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Horseshoe Crabs in Ocean City

The story of these two amazing creatures is a study of the interconnection of all life and a fascinating look at the role of the Cape May County environment in their - mutual - survival. (via WHYY News Works).**

Scarborough Inn guests who are interested in our natural seashore environment may want to experience a Guided Beach Walk locally or visit the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor.

**ARTICLE HERE: http://bit.ly/oJmwEC

After "Hurricane Irene" Ocean City NJ, Beach and the Scarborough Inn

2011-08-29T16:08:00.000-04:00

The westerly wind was strong August 28, as we returned to the Scarborough Inn late in the afternoon. Happily, the inn sustained little damage, just lots of debris, & some signs of minor flooding in our neighborhood.

On the beach, the wind was so strong. it was pushing back against the waves as they broke. But already, people were walking the beach and boardwalk, and surfers were anxious to catch the storm-roiled waves.

On August 29, we will be putting the porch furniture back on the porch (it is all over the living room and hallways - thanks to Irene), cleaning the gardens, making up rooms, and planning Afternoon Refreshments for guests due to check-in this afternoon.

Sounds like it will be a spectacular week down the shore - already the sky is nearly cloudless blue and the sun is shining. Come, enjoy at the Scarborough Inn!

"Hurricane Irene" Visits the Jersey Shore

2011-08-29T15:38:00.000-04:00

When "Irene" came calling at the Jersey Shore," we evacuated Ocean City with five international student staff members and set up temporary Scarborough Inn offices in Mt. Laurel.

Scarborough Inn: End of Summer Special

2011-08-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

Scarborough Inn

For one week only, enjoy the BEST of summer at the Jersey Shore & SAVE 20%!

During this final week of August 28 to September 2, stay two or more Midweek nights at the Scarborough Inn in order to take advantage of these savings. Enjoy the vintage charm and modern amenities of our beautiful, historic inn in an incredible, central location on the island!

Call (800-258-1558) or make Reservations online at www.scarboroughinn.com

As always, the following Amenities are included with your Scarborough Inn stay:

* Three-Course Breakfast & Afternoon Refreshments daily

* (2) Beach Tags per Room (with refundable deposit)

* On-site, off-street Parking

*Bathhouse

* Free Wireless Internet and more!

We've got a rocker reserved - just for you!

[Taxes & Gratuity extra, subject to availability, may not be combined with other offers]

How I Spent My "Irene Vacation" - August 26

2011-08-27T18:02:00.000-04:00

Rumors of Hurricane Irene had been swirling for days. Finally, it appears that “Irene” might actually be a huge storm and is predicted to have a major impact on New Jersey, as well as communities all along the eastern seaboard – perhaps as far north as Maine – unprecedented.

So many times in the past, reporting about impending hurricanes sounds hysterical, but the reality was puny. As a result, some people have become complacent or sanguine. Despite warnings & official orders this time, many people determined to “ride it out” even knowing that they would be responsible for their own health and safety if that is their choice!

The two times in the past we were asked to evacuate (when the children were young - about 30 years ago) we did, and this would be no different. But this time, we are also responsible for Scarborough Inn guests and the International students on our staff!

On August 25, Cape May County declared a Mandatory Evacuation; later Ocean City also declared a Mandatory Evacuation beginning with visitors first. Some of our Inn guests were reluctant to leave, but were persuaded to do so and most everyone was checked out by that evening; others determined to depart early in the morning. Also on the 25^th, we went to Sam’s to pick up our regular weekly order. With the safety of our international student staff members in mind, we also selected some apples, Granola bars, Chex snacks, bagels, and bottled water as non-perishable snacks. We also purchased some body wash and spray Lysol, and basic medical supplies like bandages, aspirin, and antiseptic. Gus reassured the students that we would stay together & keep them safe.

We packed personal belongings in small suitcases that evening, as well as rudimentary office items so we could run our B&B from the road. We were up until 12:30 handling dozens of details…and some accompanying feelings of concern. Flashlights? Check. Batteries? Check. Laundry finished? Check. Family and friends contacted? Check. Finally, we went to bed and tried to get some sleep.

The following day we would need to prepare the Scarborough Inn for Irene’s visit…

August 26, 2011 pre-Irene

2011-08-26T10:03:00.000-04:00

ROUTE 52 Causeway - no traffic

Boarding up storefronts on Boardwalk

Surfers catching waves


People strolling & biking on the boards

Ocean City NJ, August Sunrise

2011-08-26T07:00:00.002-04:00

"...the delights of the beach at seven AM...the tranquility...the lack of people...the sunrise. Ah, the sunrise! It lifts in majestic silence from a secret heaven...bringing warmth and a honey-ripe light which spreads across the water to meet the horizon, coloring the limpid (Atlantic) a shimmering gold."

Carol Drinkwater The Olive Farm

before Irene's arrival...

2011-08-25T23:44:00.000-04:00

Monarch Butterfly Migration Route: Cape May County

2011-08-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

Migrating butterfly at the Scarborough

The Monarch Butterfly Migration Route passes right through Cape May County and it's not surprising to find these tiny travelers in the Scarborough Inn gardens. Though seemingly-fragile, these creatures actually travel thousands of miles to reach their winter quarters in Mexico.

Monarchs are recognizable for the striking orange and black pattern on their wings. They eat milkweed and this tends to make them foul-tasting to potential predators. Some people try to attract these insects by planting "butterfly gardens" and the Inn's garden contains some plants they favor; that may explain why they visit.

The Cape May Bird Observatory has a monarch butterfly tagging program. Small stickers are placed on the wing of a butterfly to help scientists study migration patterns and numbers.

If you visit the Scarborough Inn in late August through September or October, be on the lookout for the Monarch Butterfly Migration - it is truly amazing!

Bed & Breakfast Recipes: the Polenta Challenge

2011-08-22T07:00:00.008-04:00

I was Tweeting recently when I discovered a link to a post about polenta. It sounded like a tasty entree, but frankly, with a Bed & Breakfast, we are always searching for breakfast dishes. So I casually speculated about whether I could adapt polenta for breakfast?

Be careful what you ponder online, because I was promptly contacted by Ashley requesting the results of my kind-of offhand comment - with pictures! Good grief, now I'd really have to do this thing!

I set to work and came up with two polenta options for Breakfast at the Scarborough Inn. One is more of a brunch recipe with Italian influences; the second is a more traditional breakfast dish that includes fresh, tree-ripened New Jersey peaches - in season right now. Both use Bellino instant Polenta from Italy. Yes, instant. (Purists can make the l-o-n-g version, of course).

Both recipes start with polenta, made according to the instructions on the package; but are plated and garnished very differently. Both are very easy to make and are adaptable,** too - very important when making breakfast for up to 60 guests!

Cheesy Polenta with Pesto & Italian Sausage

Brunch Polenta Italiano

Bellino Instant Polenta
Finely grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Pesto with Basil, room temperature
Italian sausage, (I used sweet) cut in slices & grilled, about one link per person
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Slice the sweet Italian sausage on the diagonal and grill until cooked thoroughly and lightly browned on both sides. Set aside and keep warm. Make the polenta according to the directions on the package. Toward the end of the cooking process, add a generous sprinkling (about 1/4 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese to the warm polenta and mix well as it finishes cooking. I also added freshly ground black pepper, but no salt as the cheese is rather salty.

To serve: (for each serving) Make a little mound of the golden polenta on a plate and top with a dollop of bright green Pesto Sauce, arrange the grilled sausages on the side and sprinkle the dish with some additional ground pepper and Parmesan. Garnish with bright red tomatoes and a sprig of fresh Basil.

This dish is very colorful and uses seasonal herbs and vegetables to advantage. The more assertive flavors of the pesto and cheese nicely balance the subtle polenta and sweet sausage to create a lively palate-pleaser.

Yellow & White Peach Sauce over Polenta

"Jersey Fresh" Peach Polenta

Bellino Instant Polenta, prepared the day before

Fresh NJ Peaches, about one per person, peeled & cut into thick wedges
2Tbl. butter, separated - more if needed
1Tbl. Vermont Maple Syrup - more if needed
Freshly-ground Nutmeg
1 lemon wedge

Prepare the polenta the day before, pour into a pie plate and refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature in the morning (perhaps while you grill some thick-sliced bacon to accompany this breakfast?)

Preheat two frying pans and melt 1 Tbl butter in each. In one, (set at low temperature) add the peach wedges, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and some freshly-ground nutmeg. Stir gently and allow to cook at low temperature until the peaches are warm, but still al dente. Stir gently once or twice during cooking.

Meanwhile, cut the room-temperature polenta into eight pie-shaped wedges and place in a heated (medium) pan with the melted butter. Grill lightly until browned on one side, flip and finish browning on the other side. Both frying pans may be covered so that everything is warmed through, but don't allow the food to overcook or burn. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the peaches at the end of warming & remove the lid (if using) to allow the pan juices to thicken slightly.

To serve: Place the golden browned polenta on a plate and cover with a generous serving of the warmed peaches and pan juices. Grind some nutmeg on top and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Add a rasher of grilled bacon, if using.

This seems like a more traditional American breakfast; but the polenta adds a definite twist with a bit of grainy texture and heartiness. Fresh peaches contribute rich, seasonal flavor and the nutmeg adds just a hint of spiciness.

INNsider Tip: As to adaptability** - the Brunch version could be varied by using other seasonally-inspired sides like watermelon & peach salsa with cilantro, spicy tomato salsa, or by smothering it in grilled mushrooms, or even Jerk-style shrimp. Breakfast-style polenta would be good with other seasonal fruit toppings; try apple-cinnamon, grilled pineapple, or mixed berries. Either of these entrees would pair nicely with a variety of breakfast meats - whatever suits your fancy.

Hope you like the results, Ashley!

after the rain...

2011-08-21T20:47:00.000-04:00

Ocean City NJ: National Honeybee Awareness Day!

2011-08-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

NJ Honey at the OC Farmer's Market

Who knew? August 20 is National Honeybee Awareness Day! Happily, those of us who visit the Ocean City Farmer's Market can stock up on delicious, local honey weekly. Sweet!

A recent post from edibleJERSEY talked about the many attributes of the honeybee and the product of its industry, "...Honey, thanks to the tireless industry of the Honey Bee, is a miracle product of nature. Besides its delightful sweetness, honey is also effective as an antibiotic for treating burns, soothes sore throats and offers relief to many allergy sufferers."

We particularly enjoy honey on whole wheat pancakes and in hot tea. Honey is always available in the Scarborough Inn's Butler's Pantry for those who share a passion for this sweet, natural treat! If you're in Ocean City on Wednesdays when the Farmer's Market is open (seasonally), New Jersey honey might be the perfect purchase for yourself...or as a gift! (Remember, the market is located on the Tabernacle grounds - only a 10-minute stroll from the Inn.)

Read the entire edibleJERSEY article about honey here.

Ocean City Activities: On the Bayfront

2011-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

"Learn to Sail"

So many people think "beach" when contemplating Ocean City NJ, but there are many activities on the bay side of the island, too! Today I will mention two that are popular with children and both take place at the aptly named, Bayside Center, 520 Bay Avenue.

The first is the Environmental Camp sponsored by the OC Recreation Department & open to visitors, as well as locals. This activity features themed eco classes with workbooks, experiments, hands-on activities, live animals, movies, and games for ages 6 to 11 (9am - 12 noon). Upcoming themes:

August 8 - 12   Caribbean Capers & Pirates OR Mammals

      August 15 - 19 Chemistry OR Whales & Dolphins

For kids who enjoy some learning with their fun, or fun with their learning, call the OC Recreation Department for more information and to register (609-525-9304 - camp size limited).

Running concurrently, and at the same location, is Learn to Sail classes sponsored by the OC Sailing Foundation through the end of August. Teachers head out onto the bay in Boston Whalers followed by a mini-flotilla of small sailboats with a student-sailor in each one. Half-day sessions for all ability levels are available from certified instructors. Call for details (609-418-3356).

Two unique activities to help introduce people to the bayside of Ocean City; both are about 10 minutes walk from the Scarborough Inn.

New Jersey Recipes: Peach Kuchen

2011-08-17T07:00:00.005-04:00

"Jersey Fresh" Peaches

"Peach Kuchen"

Toward the end of summer, we are blessed with a bounty of luscious fruits - peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and cherries. All stone fruits, you'll notice. and that is a challenge. Why? Well, because when you are preparing Breakfast for a sizable number, and the fruit needs to be pitted, and it quickly discolors once peeled, and the kitchen staff is small, well.....you understand?

So I've been on a hunt to find some interesting new recipes using the luscious New Jersey peaches in season right now. I want rich peach flavor, ease of preparation, and recipes that will help solve the problem of timing between prep and consumption. Whew!

Jen Miller, author of the recently published guide to our area, [Explorer's Guide] The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May: A Great Destination, came to my rescue with a link to a recipe booklet I could download from the NJ Peach Promotion Council. Perfect!

She also suggested the first recipe to try - "Peach Kuchen".

I headed to the store to gather ingredients, including tree-ripened NJ peaches, of course! I also needed coconut, cinnamon & sugar, sour cream, and because I have to add my own twist - slivered almonds. I made a crust that included the shredded coconut and pre-baked it while I prepared the other ingredients. Over the hot crust, I layered peaches cut in thin slivers and sprinkled them lightly with the cinnamon and sugar mixture. I blended sour cream and egg, added almond extract, and drizzled this over the peaches before scattering some slivered almonds on top. Into the oven for about 25 minutes.

The "Peach Kuchen" smelled delicious while it cooked and looked tempting, but it is about the taste. Happily, Jen Miller had also volunteered to taste-test the result! She did and proclaimed it a success. The many flavors complement each other and the creamy topping works with the crunchy almonds; the bright, fresh peaches pair well with the hint of coconut. This will be a welcome addition to the Scarborough Inn menu. Maybe this recipe would also work with other fruits? Apples? Pears? Cherries?

In the meantime, the next recipe I want to try is "Peach Surprise." What are you doing next week, Jen?

INNsider Tip: If you want the recipe booklet, Not Just Any Peach: A Jersey Fresh Peach click HERE.

Jen Miller's book is available from SunRose Words & Music, 756 Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ

Great Beach Reads: on the Innkeeper's Bookshelf

2011-08-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

The term "beach read" always seems to indicate a less-than-serious novel that you would only read on vacation. But since the Scarborough Inn and therefore, our guests, are always at the beach, I'm going to bring some nonfiction books to your attention that deal with Ocean City and the Jersey Shore area. Daring!

When we go on vacation, I seek out some nonfiction books to give me some of the facts about the place we will be visiting; then I look for something that tells at least part of the "story" of the place. Maybe I'll find a tale about how the town came to be; or a significant, seminal story about the area that explains its character or a popular annual celebration; perhaps a guide to the "best of" or suggested places to visit.

Next, I try to locate a novel about the area. These books also give you a sense of place through lush descriptions of the natural setting, the architecture, even the daily lives of fictional characters. Surprisingly, there are some fictional stories set in Ocean City, NJ - and a collection of books by local authors and illustrators, too. To learn more, visit Sun Rose Words & Music on Asbury Avenue - they are a great resource and always happy to help!

But, today's Innkeeper's Bookshelf includes these Great (nonfiction) Beach Reads:

[Explorer's Guide] The Jersey Shore: Atlantic City to Cape May: A Great Destination by Jen Miller

     Packed with information, this second addition of the guide, offers fascinating details about many of the communities of Cape May County, as well as glitzy Atlantic City to our north. As one reviewer on Amazon states, "...a guide for shoobies and a book a local can appreciate." I agree, this is really an indispensable book for locals and vacationers alike; newcomers to the area and seasoned visitors to Ocean City. I look forward to discovering some of the places Jen has uncovered in her travels - down the Shore.
[Also available in a convenient Kindle edition!]

Important Bird Areas of New Jersey by Christina A. Frank

   This guide, published by the NJ Audubon Society, is a treasure trove of information about the birds of the Garden State. Cape May, in particular, is recognized internationally as a prime spot for birding as it is ideally situated along the Atlantic Flyway that hosts major migrations throughout the year. Organized by area so visitors could just focus on our local region, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the state's birds, rather than a list of specific species.

[Images of America] Ocean City Baby Parade by Fred & Susan Miller

   One of the latest editions in a series of books by these popular, local authors, this book was written in celebration of the local Baby Parade - the "longest running in the country." Packed with historical pictures of this event through the years, this book provides a fascinating overview of this annual August event. We are particularly fond of the photograph on page 125 - that's Oona (daughter of an employee) snoozing at her Scarborough Inn "desk" - her First Summer Job. Adorable!

* * * * *

INNsider Tip: Don't forget to visit the small Library (one of the Common Areas) at the Scarborough Inn, we include books about Ocean City and the surrounding area in the collection.

Cape May Seafood: Fresh from the Ocean City Farmer's Market

2011-08-13T07:00:00.001-04:00

Seafood Booth


Little Necks & Scallops

"It doesn't get any better than this," he exclaimed, "local seafood, fresh from local waters!"

A group of people are clustered around the seafood booth at the weekly Ocean City Farmer's Market, waiting their turn to make a selection. Arrayed on a bed of ice are plump scallops and Little Neck clams. Somewhat tattered photos are tacked to the sides of the booth - fishing boats, clammers, the bounty of the Atlantic. I glance at them as I wait my turn.

Every week, I select some fresh - REALLY fresh - seafood to enjoy at home. Usually, I pair it with some Jersey corn and juicy red tomatoes for a simple supper. Seasonal fruit (strawberries, blueberries, or peaches) comprises dessert - either unadorned or in a cobbler or cake with a snowy mountain of freshly whipped cream.

What a wonderful way to select dinner - directly from the people who harvest it. That man is right.....it doesn't get any better than this!

INNsider Tip: The weekly Farmer's Market is less than 10-minutes walk from the Scarborough Inn. There are many things for guests to enjoy - scones and coffee, smoothies, tomato pie, canned goods, cookies and biscotti, and gorgeous flowers.

Summer Sunset

2011-08-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

Here's to the last 8PM Sunset of the 2011 Summer Season - Cheers!

Most Popular Vacation Destination

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

OCNJ - Popular U.S. Beach

Ocean City NJ, is one of the most popular vacation destinations for many reasons! Especially in sunny, sultry, splendid August, however, our thoughts naturally turn to the beach.

Our pristine beach borders the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern side of the island and provides visitors with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Beaches nestled next to the Boardwalk also provide convenient access to snacks or shopping; or other diversions like miniature golf, arcades, or amusement rides.

Just 5-minutes walk from the Scarborough Inn, the beach is very popular with guests. They especially appreciate the Inn's Bathhouse with showers after a day on the sandy shore. And they always seem to make it back to the B&B in time for Afternoon Refreshments!

No wonder, then, that the Ocean City NJ Beach was recently named one of the Most Popular U.S. Beaches (#8) by the Daily Beast.

Jersey Shore Travel: Historic Cold Spring Village

2011-08-09T07:00:00.020-04:00

Village potter

One of the great things about the Jersey Shore is that this area is much more than a beautiful Beach and a lively Boardwalk...wonderful as they are for visitors and residents alike. Historic Cold Spring Village, about 40 minutes south of the Scarborough Inn, is an example of a delightful destination to include on your Ocean City vacation itinerary.

Situated on 22 largely-wooded acres, HCSV is a Living History Museum of 19th century living. With 25 restored historic buildings and enthusiastic interpretors who share information about daily life, crafts, and careers of the 1850s, visiting the Village is like traveling through time.

In addition, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning - making history interesting - even for young children. Special events like model railroad displays, antique fairs, and military encampments occur weekly, as well.

Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ (PHONE 609-898-2300) and is open 10AM - 4:30PM, Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day & on weekends in the fall.
Admission: $10 Adults/ $8 ages 3 - 12/ under 3 yrs. free.

INNsider Tip: Don't miss the General Store with a selection of old-fashioned candies plus a wonderful choice of books for all ages about New Jersey.

Until you have a chance to go to Historic Cold Spring Village, enjoy this virtual visit...

Scarborough Inn: "Romance Getaway Package"

2011-08-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Create-Your-Own Romantic Getaway Package

Did you know that August is "Romance Awareness Month?"

It is, and that's why the Scarborough Inn has designed the Create-Your-Own-Romance-Package. After all, your definition of "romance" is as individual as you are. So we've assembled an expanded Menu of Special Amenities to help you create the Romantic Getaway of your dreams. Customized by you, for you, it will perfectly meet your wishes.....and your budget!

Select traditional favorites like candy or flowers, include therapeutic massage or spa services, customize a gift basket, or plan a romantic dinner. All choices are individually priced so you can select as many, or a few, as you like. In addition, you will be dealing directly with trusted, local merchants so that you are assured that everything will meet your specifications.

BONUS #1 - Choose to visit the inn from August 28 through September 2, 2011, for two or more nights, midweek, and save 20% off the regular rates.

BONUS #2 - Mention that you found the "Romance Getaway Package" online and receive an attractive, hand-crafted, signature Scarborough Inn pottery mug as our gift to you!

Visit the Scarborough Inn website today and begin planning the "Romance Getaway Package" of YOUR dreams!

[fine print - Tax & Gratuity not included; Subject to availability; 1 gift mug per reservation]

National Lighthouse Day: Celebrate in Cape May County August 7

2011-08-05T07:00:00.004-04:00

Cape May Lighthouse

There must be a special day for just about everything, so it won't be a surprise that there is a National Lighthouse Day, celebrated on August 7 annually. Here in Cape May County, surrounded by miles of coastline, lighthouses played a vital role in protecting mariners for many years. Today, visitors are invited to tour two such historical structures.

One is the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in North Wildwood. Recently, years of restoration work was completed and the site is also rumored to have lovely gardens. During the summer, the lighthouse is open 7 days a week, from 9AM to 5PM with tour tickets for ages 12+ costing $4.00 per person. Prior to your visit, you may want to visit the Hereford Islet Lighthouse website for additional information.

The second area site is the Cape May Lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park, Lower Township. The building was constructed in 1859 - the third such beacon constructed at the tip of New Jersey. Many visitors make a climb to the top part of their annual vacation, but there's also an orientation center and Museum Shop at ground level. Tickets for ages 13+ are $7.00 per person. Additional details plus a printable coupon are available on the Cape May Lighthouse website.

INNsider Tip: Purchase a combo ticket to visit both Cape May County lighthouses at the Hereford Inlet site for $9.00 per person - a nice savings!

For additional information about annual Lighthouse Day, click here: National Lighthouse Day

"Jersey Fresh" Blueberries: Now & Later

2011-08-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

BLUEBERRY BREAD PUDDING

I love "Jersey Fresh" blueberries - right from the Ocean City Farmer's Market or from a local Farm Stand - nothing better!

They are delicious plump, juicy, and unadorned or in fruit cup, yogurt parfait, or smoothie. For Afternoon Refreshments, guests enjoy blueberries in crumbles, cobblers, or Blueberry Buckle (great recipe in the inn's cookbook, Scarborough Seasons) and available from the Scarborough Inn Gift Shop.

Happily, the delicious flavor and nutrition of blueberries may also be enjoyed in the middle of winter if you carefully freeze ripe berries now. What a treat to enjoy this taste of summer in baking or in Blueberry Pancakes on a frosty morning! Visit this site for details.

And so, do enjoy NJ Blueberries - now and later!

Lock-A-Bye Bags: Exclusively at the Scarborough Inn in OCNJ

2011-08-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

Kathy & Carol with Lock-A-Bye totes

The Scarborough Inn is the exclusive outlet in Ocean City, NJ, for Lock-A-Bye bags. What is a Lock-A-Bye bag you may wonder?

"These bags are the perfect combination of style and security," states Carol Bruno, one of the innkeepers at the Scarborough Inn, "and we think they will be very popular with our guests."

Lock-A-Bye bags were designed by sisters: Ann, Mary, and Kathy who love to vacation at the beach with their large extended family. "Someone was always sidelined from group activities," Kathy remembers," because they had to watch the bags. We noticed many others in the same situation and thought how great it would be if belongings could be secure so everyone could enjoy family activities."

The sisters worked for two years to develop and patent the locking mechanism and cable system that forms the "heart" of the bags. It secures both the contents and the bag itself and is offered in a variety of patterns and solid black - all of which are slash-resistant and water-resistant. One of the nicest features is that there's a small wrist/ key bag to hold the key and it is also virtually impossible to lock the bag with the key inside! See a demo HERE.

Lock-A-Bye bags are excellent for the beach, of course, but could also be used as diaper bags, computer bags, or even overnight or weekend getaway totes. These bags are already gaining in popularity and are available in Brookstone stores, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and on Amazon. This fall they will be featured on QVC, as well, and word is Kathy will be appearing on Shark Tank to discuss the sisters' product with the panelists.

Beginning August 1, 2011, at check-out Scarborough Inn guests will be given the opportunity to receive a special discount code that may be applied to the purchase of a Lock-A-Bye bag (or bags) online. Make sure you get yours!

"These are perfect gifts for travelers, business people, college students, and beach-goers, too," Carol enthuses, "and with the holidays approaching, this is the ideal time to purchase a tote that promises "Security Is In the Bag."

[Lock-A-Bye, the seal, & tag line are TM of Lock-A-Bye LLC]

Scarborough Inn: "Work Exchange Program"

2011-07-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

Liana (Latvia) Olga (Russia) Tsvetina (Bulgaria) Caroline (not pictured)


Anthony (Jamaica) Duro (Montenegro) Dimitar (Macedonia)

Nearly 20 years ago, the Scarborough Inn first contacted InterExchange to inquire about a program that (as their website states) "...brings international university students to the USA to fill short-term seasonal positions with seasonal businesses. After their work commitment, participants can travel for up to one month."

It continues to be the perfect match for the Inn. Some international students are available earlier in the season and others are able to stay and work into October. This has allowed us to remain open longer - into the so-called "shoulder seasons" when the weather at the Jersey Shore is delightful, it is less crowded, and it is less expensive, too. Making spring and fall a great time to travel!

It has been a great experience to meet a succession of young people from around the world. Frequently, they visit parts of the United States during their stay, or following their employment commitment. They have an opportunity to interact with Americans at the inn and around town. They can "test" their preconceived notions about the US with their experiences here. It's a great exchange for all involved.

Over the years, we decided to have a Staff Appreciation Party (to recognized our ENTIRE fabulous staff) and featuring American picnic fare. Typically this includes: Broasted Chicken, potato salad & cole slaw (this year we added a green salad), corn on the cob, watermelon, cake and soda. It's a time to get to know everyone a little bit better, to socialize, to learn, and to relax together - to have fun!

Some students stay in touch - even years later. Some continue their education in the States & a few have become citizens. We believe that this "exchange" is a positive experience for all involved!

National Ice Cream Month

2011-07-28T07:00:00.001-04:00

National ice Cream Month (July) is nearly over, so if you haven't conducted your own Taste Test yet - time (and ice cream) waits for no one - especially in the summertime!

Scarborough Inn guests seem to have adopted the Hobby Horse Ice Cream Parlor. It is just down the block from our B&B and features an extensive selection of luscious flavors, plus toppings & sundaes & other desserts, too. There's seating inside and outdoors, Winnie the Pooh on hand to greet guests, and the namesake Hobby Horse - perfect for photo ops!

Earlier this month, we visited TJ's Ice Creams on E. Atlantic Boulevard & Battersea Rd . They advertise Homemade ice creams (about 30 flavors) & water ice, plus yogurt and sugar-free choices. The ice cream we sampled was delicious and I think we need to visit again - purely in the interest of research, of course.

We've been hearing a lot about the excellent ice cream to be had at Springer's Homemade Ice Cream in Stone Harbor. But frankly, it's a bit of a drive - even for ice cream. When we visited our neighboring community to the south for dinner recently, we decided to have ice cream for dessert. Even at 10PM, there was a long line so we decided to head home - gotta work in the morning. So...if guests want to visit Springer's and give us your "research" report, I'll post it here.

There are plenty of ice cream, sorbet, gelatti, and frozen custard stands on the Ocean City Boardwalk, too, so enjoy National Ice Cream Month - every month!

Farmers Market Recipe: "Jersey Fresh" Omelet

2011-07-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

After visiting this week's Farmer's Market, I was inspired to create an omelet using "Jersey Fresh" ingredients. I selected cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs from my own garden and added chunks of the local tomatoes from the market (held every Wednesday on the Tabernacle grounds). I prepared the ingredients ahead, so they could be added as the omelet cooked and pre-heated the pan.

"Jersey Fresh" at weekly Farmer's Market

I whipped up some brown eggs until they were frothy and poured them into a pan swirled with first-press olive oil. While they cooked, I added a sprinkling of Flat Leaf Parsley and some peppery German Thyme leaves, a light dusting of sea salt, and some pungent, grated Parmesan. Finally, I added the tomato chunks, quartered cherry tomatoes, and freshly ground, mixed peppercorns. I garnished the dish with more herbs and cherry tomato "flowers."

These ingredients made for a very chunky, rustic omelet! I love the combination of simple ingredients with fresh flavors and colors. The Parmesan added a subtle piquancy that was delicious.

Of course, one of the best things about using farm-fresh ingredients is that this omelet can be different every time - inspired by the bounty provided by New Jersey farmers!

INNsider Tip: Take a look at video this produced by American Farmland Trust!

Scarborough Inn: Birth Announcement!

2011-07-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

"Our" Diamondback Terrapin

It's true, we recently received our "Official Terrapin Adoption Certificate" from the Wetlands Institute. That means we support the Terrapin Conservation Project.

The Project helps fund "Road Patrols" that rescue injured turtles hit by vehicles as they attempt to cross local roads to lay eggs. They also save and incubate eggs from turtles that haven't survived. In addition, food and shelter is provided for turtle hatchlings during a one year head start program before the young Diamondback Terrapins are released into the wild. There are fascinating informational and educational programs as well.

The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor is a very interesting place to visit - for all ages - and they have a wide variety of programs as well as exhibits about the local environment.

The photograph is of the "Scarborough Inn's" Diamond Terrapin hatchling - cute, right?

INNsider Tip: You can adopt a turtle, too! (Ask for details when you visit the Wetlands Institute or check their website.)

2011-07-23T06:54:00.000-04:00

Comfort for the grieving in Norway and for all those suffering around the world... Peace.

New Jersey Wine Trail: "Hawk Haven Winery"

2011-07-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, indeed there are vineyards in Cape May County! One of the vineyards on our local "Wine Trail" is Hawk Haven Winery in Rio Grande - take Garden State Parkway south from the Scarborough Inn, Ocean City.

Open year round, it is a lovely place to visit in every season and Wine Tasting is a fun option when you're exploring beyond the Shore.

During this season (end of May to mid-September), Hawk Haven hosts Sangria Sundays - every Sunday, from 11AM until 7PM, rain or shine. Here's the basics:

> Wine & Sangria by the glass**

> Live Music all day

> Seaside Cheese Company offers a selection of sandwiches, salads & snacks for purchase

Sangria - red & white

> Tasting Room is open & Parking is free

You might enjoy stopping at Hawk Haven Winery to enjoy Sangria Sunday before going out to dinner in the area. Their wines are also available at The Old Grange Restaurant by Tony Clark - just down the road in Historic Cold Spring Village.

INNsider Tip: It's less expensive to order Sangria (red or white) by the pitcher** and share it will your friends. You may also bring a picnic!

Jersey Shore Restaurants: BAY BREEZE CAFE

2011-07-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

Bay Breeze Cafe at Larsen's Marina

The Bay Breeze Cafe is a tiny, almost hidden, gem that is right outside of Sea Isle City - a neighboring island of Ocean City, NJ. Connected to Larsen's Marina, the rustic building hugs the waterside and is literally wafted by salt-scented breezes. Seating is at the counter or at tables on a enclosed porch surrounded with windows.

But you need to visit for the food.

Serving Breakfast and Lunch, the food is fresh, local, and imaginatively prepared. There are certainly familiar favorites - generously-sized crab cakes or Philly cheesesteaks, for instance - but also some offerings that have a bit of a California-vibe (inspired by the owner's time in that state). For example, there's quesadillas, home-made salsa, and delicious fresh salads. When we visited, the family had been berry picking to supply blueberries for breakfast pancakes. Special selections are based on what's fresh and in season making for delicious surprises each time you visit. And always the emphasis is on quality ingredients...carefully prepared.

INNsider Tip:

The Bay Breeze Cafe is about a 20-minute drive from the Scarborough Inn, but a little tricky to find, so please ask for directions. Lunch at the cafe would be a great respite when exploring Cape May County!

Scarborough Inn, "A Rose by any other name..."

2011-07-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

Scarborough Inn - Rose Garden

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," is a famous line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. However, with all due respect to the bard, Shakespeare did NOT know Google!

In the G-World one of the rules is that your business information must be consistent throughout the web-a-sphere. Makes sense, but not as easy as it sounds we discovered recently when we completely disappeared from Google Places for several days.

Over the years, as we tried to find, define, and clarify our identity for guests, the Inn was known by a series of slightly - very slightly - different names (B&B, Bed and Breakfast). In the "old days" - maybe 5 years ago - if you wanted to change the name of your business, you would have a new sign painted, print up new stationery & business cards and you're good to go! Not any more.

The information that must be consistent web-wide is NAP + web (name, address, phone #) + web address.

Sounds easy, but we discovered there are literally hundreds of references to our inn - many of which we did not even know existed. There are establishments with the same, or very similar, names - both in the United States and around the world. There are websites that contain incorrect or outdated information, photos, rates, and more. Even "dead" sites that still exist out there. And it's not always easy to make changes either.

So the project is enormous, but it must be undertaken. It's like a treasure hunt to find and codify our identity / information and I imagine it will be quite an adventure. But in the end,THIS "rose" will have only one name. Sweet!

Recipe with "Jersey Fresh" Ingredients: SALSA!

2011-07-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

"Jersey Fresh" Salsa ingredients

Salsa is a wonderful recipe to have in your repertoire - it is so versatile and may be made with whatever ingredients are available in your local Farmer's Market. So, be creative and adapt this recipe to your taste and to what's in season.

Salsa is also adaptable regarding its uses. Here at the Scarborough Inn, for Breakfast, it can accompany an omelet or egg bake - adding bright, fresh flavor to a traditional morning offering. During Afternoon Refreshments, it is delightful with crispy chips or with a mild cheese. At your home, try it with meats or fish hot off the grill.

In all its' incarnations, you'll find that "Jersey Fresh" Salsa is delicious!

"Jersey Fresh" Salsa Recipe

2 ears Jersey corn

2 Jersey tomatoes--diced

1/2 red onion--diced

1 Jersey green pepper--diced

2 cloves garlic--minced

Juice of 1 Lime

1 tablespoon olive oil

Few drops of hot sauce (Optional)

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook corn until tender, 7- 10 minutes*. Cool corn under cold water until you can handle it and cut kernels from the cob. Mix the corn in a glass bowl with the remaining ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

(May be made up to 4 hours ahead.)

adapted from COLLINGSWOOD FARMER'S MARKET website

* INNsider Tip - I prefer to microwave the corn (it's quick & there's less cleanup) and I would also keep it al dente because I favor a little crunch.

Best Sunset View

2011-07-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

The Best Sunset View in Ocean City is to be found on the bay side (west) of the island.

Easy, right? Not really, and that is because much of the western side of our community is private property - the site of homes or businesses. But there are several places where you can go to capture the last rays of the setting sun. Street ends are easy, but somewhat cramped, and without any seating for extended viewing.

How about a location that is public, free, has expansive views, and even seating for relaxed, extended sunset viewing? The Bayside Center at 520 Bay Avenue is the perfect choice! It has all of the above, plus docks for fishing or just dangling your feet over the water. A covered pavilion has several picnic tables for dinner or a snack (bring your own & use the trash cans, please) and there are restroom facilities, too.

You might want to bring your iPod for musical accompaniment or your camera to record the Best Sunset View on the island!

Ask at the Scarborough Inn; we'll be happy to provide simple walking directions for guests.

Cape May Theater

2011-07-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

Cape May Stage

Here in Ocean City, we are absolutely spoiled for things to do and places to go. Sometimes, Scarborough Inn guests want to try something new...take a little road trip. If it's live theater they are interested in, Cape May Stage offers a great alternative!

Housed in a former church building, Cape May Stage was founded in 1988 by Michael Laird and is now considered "one of the state's premiere professional equity theaters." In 2010, the organization was named "Best Theater Company" in Cape May and is also recognized as the #3 Equity Theater in the state!

Accolades aside, for theater-goers, Cape May Stage offers "high quality, award-winning productions in a charming and intimate setting, plus actors who the deliver unforgettable performances." We recently enjoyed "Say Goodnight, Gracie" with Joel Rooks in a stellar one-man performance as George Burns.

The current production is "The Understudy" running Tuesdays through Sundays through July 30 at 8:00PM in the Robert Shackleton Playhouse (of Cape May Stage), on the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets, Cape May, NJ. Phone: (609) 884-1341. From the Scarborough Inn, take the Garden State Parkway south to exit zero - about 45 minutes drive. Google map here

INNider Tip:

Combine your night out at Cape May Stage's current production with a delicious meal at one of Cape May's best restaurants to create a memorable special occasion. Ask about Dinner and a Show.

Ocean City NJ, New "Beach Toy"

2011-07-10T08:56:00.000-04:00

Today is another perfect beach day In Ocean City NJ - in a season of incomparable beach days - featuring sunny days, warm ocean temperatures, and maybe a light breeze to keep things comfortable.

The Scarborough Inn is just a block and a half from the beach - an easy walk. Our bathhouse has hot and cold water showers, changing rooms, and dedicated access to the inn for guests returning from the shore (in time for Afternoon Refreshments?). Just part of the reason our Bed & Breakfast is a comfortable haven for your Jersey Shore vacation!

Guests can rent equipment from vendors on the beach, but many prefer to bring their own. I spotted this unique "Cabana Chair" in today's AC Press. It is a combination beach chair / sun shade - and apparently very popular this year. Looks like it has cup holders, too, although that was not mentioned in the article. Especially when carting stuff to the beach, it's important to have things that are multifunctional, sturdy - yet lightweight. (photo from AC Press)

If you purchase a "Cabana Chair" let me know if you're pleased with your new "beach toy" and I'll publish your review!

New Jersey Endangered Species: Diamondback Terrapin

2011-07-08T08:00:00.003-04:00

New Jersey "Turtle Crossing" sign

The Diamondback Terrapin is an endangered species in New Jersey and its vulnerable status has given rise to what some may characterize as "weird road signs." You may have spotted Turtle Crossing signs on local roadways - especially those close to the wetlands. That's because these turtles frequently cross - or attempt to cross - local roads to reach sites where they can deposit eggs.

As reported on the Wetlands Institute website, " ...for well over a century, diamondback terrapins, the only species adapted to life in the brackish waters of coastal salt marshes, have been adversely affected by a variety of human activities." These activities include: being considered a gourmet delicacy for a time, coastal development that destroyed or limited traditional breeding sites on barrier islands, and drowning in the commercial crabbing industry's crab traps.

Since 1989, several strategies have been implemented to address this situation including the recovery of eggs from road-killed terrapins that can be incubated, hatched, and released. Road signs and educational programs seek to warn drivers about areas where terrapins cross the road so vehicles can stop to allow the creatures safe passage. Thankfully, there are many more efforts underway to support Terrapin Conservation.

At the Scarborough Inn, we participate in "Adopt a Terrapin" through the Wetlands Institute to help support these important programs and efforts. Look for our Diamondback Terrapin's picture on the Inn's bulletin board and consider visiting the Wetlands Institute in nearby Stone Harbor, NJ, during your Jersey Shore vacation - lots of hands - on fun and learning!

And while driving, please allow the turtles to cross the road...to get to the other (breeding) side!

Ocean City, NJ Delights - Bay to Boardwalk

2011-07-06T08:00:00.002-04:00

Scarborough Inn - patio garden

Ocean City NJ is located on a small island off the southern coast of New Jersey, so I guess it's not surprising that many guests think "beach" when planning a vacation getaway here. (of course, we do have a fabulous beach just a 5-minute walk from the Inn.)

But, we also have many other delights to offer visitors - from the Bay to the Ocean and many other locations in between. At the Scarborough Inn, we have a notebook of suggested activities plus a bulletin board that lists current Special Events. There are options for every taste, interest, and budget, too.

But don't forget to just relax and enjoy the many comfortable spaces around the Inn and the beautiful places around the island, ahhhhh.

Ocean City NJ, Things to Do

2011-07-05T13:00:00.001-04:00

Live Theater in Ocean City

The July 4th weekend has ended, but the fun continues in Ocean City!

Of course, there's always the delights of our beautiful Beach and lively Boardwalk, but there are other activities as well and I'll try to provide a sampling in the weeks ahead.

If you enjoy an exciting musical theater experience - appropriate for all ages - this suggestion is for you! Tonight the OCTC production of "The Music Man" continues in the Hughes Performing Art Center at 6th. Street and Atlantic Avenue. Reserved Tickets are $25., CALL 609-525-9248. The July 5 performance is at 7:30PM: July 6 performances are at 2:00PM and at 7:30PM.

The venue is less than a 10-minute walk from the Scarborough Inn, so guests never need to fret about parking. After the show, the boardwalk is nearby - convenient for a stroll and some ice cream, perhaps?

INNsider Tip:
We have a list of Events on our website, but it is always changing, so request current information or suggestions when you visit. We're happy to help!

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T12:00:00.001-04:00

http://youtu.be/6LSarhZpnMs

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #7

2011-07-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

Freshly Roasted on the OC Boardwalk

To conclude the Scarborough Inn's first annual, and totally unofficial Boardwalk "Treat Week," we feature what has become a quintessential America beverage - coffee.

Treat Week # 7 - Ocean City Coffee Co.

Located at 928 Boardwalk, the OC Coffee Co. offers an extensive collection of: Single Origin Coffees, Blended Coffees, Flavored Coffees, Gourmet Tea, and Chai. Roasted daily at their boardwalk location, the enticing aroma of coffee drifts out to eager customers and who can resist?

Their website explains, "we roast in small batches to give you the freshest, most deeply flavorful cup of coffee possible. We also offer 8 pots of fresh brewed coffee daily along with just about any espresso-based drink you can think of. In total, we offer over 110 different types of fresh roasted gourmet coffees and over 18 varieties of specialty teas."

These folks are dedicated to coffee! Give them a try next time you're visiting the Scarborough Inn and longing for a "cup of joe" as you wander the Boards!

INNsider Tip: Purchase an attractive, hand-thrown stoneware Coffee Mug from the Scarborough Inn Gift Shop and make enjoying your favorite hot beverage a special occasion - every time! Available at the inn or online.

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #6

2011-07-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hula Restaurant

On June 28, we initiated the Scarborough Inn's, completely unofficial, Boardwalk "Treat Week". Each day, we've featured a sweet or treat commonly found on the Ocean City Boardwalk that we think is UNcommonly good. And today we turn our attention to:

Treat Week # 6 - Hula Restaurant

At 940 Boardwalk, the Hula Restaurant offers a delicious taste of the tropics - without the airfare and security lines. With an emphasis on seafood like Ahi tuna, salmon. crab, and shrimp**; "Plates" come with generous portions of sticky rice and Spring Mix salad greens with a delicious home-made Papaya Seed Dressing. In fact, Hula has garnered lots of attention for their incredible sauces. Desserts are also home-made and include Key Lime Pie and Coconut Mud Bars, so save room! (**Chicken, pulled pork, burgers, and other options are also available.)

Hula Restaurant has been a feature of the OC Boardwalk since 1999, but it is tucked off to the side a bit, so look for their sign between 9th & 10th Streets and enjoy their indoor or outdoor seating and a tempting taste of the tropics. Ask us and we'll be happy to provide directions from the Scarborough Inn.

INNsider Tip - Hula Sauces may be purchased online throughout the year.

Ocean City, NJ - Scarborough Inn - Celebrates July 4th!

2011-07-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

Jeeves here...as you may know, I'm the newly appointed and soon-to-be famous Canine Concierge at the Scarborough Inn. The humans have been swathing our historic building in patriotic banners, flags, and flowers in preparation for the July 4th. celebration. It looks nice, too.

However, I think they have gone too far, don't you think? They insist I wear this red, white, and blue chapeau...it's just not dignified.

Jeeves

Anyway, I look forward to watching the July 4th Fireworks from the front porch at the inn - a great view in a comfy rocker! Guests are invited to join me, of course. And the humans join me in wishing everyone a wonderful Fourth of July Celebration!

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #5

2011-07-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

Del's Oceanside Grill

During the Scarborough Inn's first annual (and totally unofficial) Boardwalk "Treat Week," we've been focusing on foods of the sugary kind. Lest you think that's the only kind of Boardwalk food worthy of mention, however, we turn our attention to another category of food for:

Treat Week #5 - Del's Oceanside Grill

This casual eatery at 934 Boardwalk has been family-owned and operated since 1965. They offer an extensive choice of foods including jumbo lump crab cakes, Black Angus burgers, and fresh salads. MY personal favorite is the Cheesesteak. Hot and juicy slivers of beef are piled into a fresh bun and covered with warm cheese. I like to add lettuce, tomato, and grilled onions with fries on the side. But, craft your own!

Decor is beach-casual and service is friendly, but it's the food! And Del's Oceanside Grill is just a short stroll from the Scarborough Inn.

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #4

2011-07-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

Warm cinnamon & sugar donuts

Many early visitors to the Ocean City Boardwalk like to cap off a morning of exercise (walking, jogging, or biking) with a treat - an Apple Cider Donut. Nothing is quite so satisfying as holding a lovely, warm, cinnamon & sugar dusted donut...unless it's biting into it!

Here's the secret - you can get a luscious Apple Cider Donut at 4th. Street on the Boardwalk...making our Treat Week pick #4 - Oves Restaurant!

This week, the Scarborough Inn is highlighting a different Boardwalk Sweet or Treat during our totally unofficial celebration of boardwalk goodies.

Take a dozen donuts home to the gang or sit on a bench on the Ocean City Boardwalk and munch your Apple Cider Donut - maybe with a cup of coffee. Ahhhhh...morning bliss!

INNsider Tip - Scarborough Inn guests can rent bicycles from 8th Street Bike Rentals - just around the corner from the inn - and enjoy a ride on the Boardwalk, followed by a delicious, warm donut from Oves Restaurant. (Save room for breakfast at the Scarborough!)

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #3

2011-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

George's Candies on the Ocean City Boardwalk

The Scarborough Inn's first annual - and totally unofficial - "Treat Week" continues the celebration of just some of the delicious goodies to be found on the Ocean City Boardwalk - with today's choice...

Treat # 3 George's Candies - Macaroons

Located at 700 Boardwalk since 1954, and today offering many other options, our choice for a special confection is George's Macaroons. Traditionally made of egg whites, sugar, and coconut or almond, their version is simply delicious. In fact, Atlantic City Magazine describes these cookies as "...the quintessential macaroon with a crunchy outside...(and)...soft and chewy inside."

Enough said! Make sure to sample the Macaroons at George's Candies.

INNsider Tip - Macaroons need to be carefully stored to preserve their freshness, click here. But mine never last that long!

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week #2

2011-06-29T08:00:00.005-04:00

Johnson's Caramel Corn

This week, the Scarborough Inn is celebrating our first annual - and totally unofficial - "Treat Week." This is a celebration of the special Treats and Sweets commonly found, and enjoyed, on the Ocean City, NJ Boardwalk.

Treat #2 is Johnson's Popcorn!

First offered in 1940, Johnson's Popcorn continues to be a perennial favorite with Jersey Shore vacationers. Although there are other choices, our personal favorite is the Caramel Popcorn. To quote their website, the "...aroma of hot caramel tossed over giant kernels of popcorn has lured millions of visitors to Johnson's Popcorn."

There's nothing like strolling the Ocean City Boardwalk clutching a giant tub of warm, sweet popcorn to share with family and friends. With three locations, you are never far from this delicious treat - visit 6th. Street, 8th. Street, and 14th. Street - all on the Boardwalk. In addition, you can order online year-round.

INNsider Tip - Sign up on the Johnson's Popcorn website to receive coupons & special offers.

Ocean City NJ Boardwalk, Treat Week!

2011-06-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

"Shriver's Gelato" on the OC Boardwalk

OK, OK, I admit it, there is no such thing as an official "Treat Week." But when you think of visiting the Ocean City Boardwalk, all kinds of delicious sweets and treats just naturally come to mind, don't they? So during this week leading up to the Fourth of July, we'll be focusing on just some of the scrumptious goodies available along our wooden way (presented in no particular order; they're ALL good).

Treat #1 is...Shriver's Gelato

For many years, Shriver's has been justifiably famous for their home-made Salt Water Taffy, Fudge, and other tempting confections. More recently, they added Shriver's Gelato (846 Boardwalk) - and it instantly became very popular!

Gelato is Italian-style ice cream and the Shriver's version features flavors imported from Italy. It tastes rich, creamy, and decadent, but is actually lower in butterfat than American ice cream. The gelato is beautifully presented in glass-fronted freezers and is available in an array of flavors - from traditional favorites to gourmet delights.

So celebrate your own personal "Treat Week" (whenever you visit the Jersey Shore) and try some unforgettable Shriver's Gelato on the Ocean City Boardwalk - only a short walk from the Scarborough Inn!

INNsider Tip: To learn more about gelato click here.

Dirty Food! NOT at the Scarborough Inn

2011-06-27T08:00:00.001-04:00


Pineapple - one of the "Clean Fifteen"

The EWG (Environmental Work Group) just released the 2011 Shopper's Guide to Produce. This includes the "Dirty Dozen" - the twelve most contaminated (as in pesticide-leaden) fruits and vegetables in the produce aisle...and most likely in your fridge, too.

How did they decide which items to add to this list? From the article..."after analyzing 89,000 tests conducted from 2000 to 2008 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Food and Drug Administration, EWG developed a guideline for which fruits and vegetables contain the highest amount of pesticides and therefore should be bought organic..." The #1 culprit on the "Dirty Dozen" list is.....apples.

This is why we continue to make a concerted effort to search for fresh, local, and (hopefully) organic produce for the Scarborough Inn menu. It is not always easy to locate reliable sources and, of course, there is the cost factor, but we are totally committed to this search.

The good news is that EWG also has a list of the "Clean Fifteen" - foods least likely to contain harmful substances. Both list are available on a little card that can be downloaded, placed in your wallet, and taken to the grocery store or farmer's market for easy reference. Sweet! The more we all demand clean produce, the more will become available. EWG Shopper's Guide here

Ocean City, NJ Beaches - Dawn to Dusk

2011-06-22T08:00:00.002-04:00


Ocean City NJ Beach - close to the Scarborough Inn

Our Ocean City, NJ beaches are beautiful any time of day - any time of year! Enjoy a little Jersey Shore virtual beach visit whenever you need a little R&R.

And when it's time to visit Ocean City, for a REAL vacation getaway, contact us at the Scarborough Inn - we'll be happy to welcome you to our bed and breakfast - less than a 5-minute walk to the Ocean City Beach.

Ocean City NJ, Horseshoe Crabs

2011-06-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

Ocean City NJ - Horseshoe Crabs

Recently, I was surprised to see Horseshoe Crabs on a tiny, pebbly beach along the back bay in Ocean City. Most times, these ancient sea creatures select beaches along the Delaware Bay for their yearly mating and egg-laying ritual.

What attracted my attention as I took my morning walk, was a raucous group of seabirds frenetically scrambling around at the edge of a small sandy area along the bayfront.

"What could they be doing?" I wondered, "what are they so excited about?"

And then I realized what was going on. A few Horseshoe Crabs had lumbered onto that small patch of shoreline and were trying to lay eggs. To the birds, it was a gourmet breakfast. I hope some of the eggs survived though, because these crabs are a unique and important species. They were featured in a brief video on CBS Sunday Morning in their natural habitat.

Farm Fresh Produce: What's in Season?

2011-06-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

NJ Farm Fresh Produce

New Jersey, known as the "Garden State," is home to a succession of seasonal farm fresh products. We are delighted to use these at the Scarborough Inn for Breakfast and for Afternoon Refreshments, too. We even have a small garden at our bed and breakfast that supplies the kitchen.

This year, we have planted a selection of herbs and we recently added several varieties of tomatoes. One unique variety of tomato was developed by Rutgers University and is renowned for its delicious flavor and suitability for growing in New Jersey. It was difficult to obtain for awhile, but is experiencing a surge in popularity and, as a result, is easier to find. I can't wait to see how the "Rutgers Tomato" performs and tastes!

Right now, New Jersey farmers report strawberry season is ending and new crops are appearing. These include peas: English, snap, and snow varieties, plus several kinds of beans - the familiar green and yellow string beans... and purple beans. Yes, they really are purple.

I just started reading a book called, The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love (Kristin Kimball). It is a very personal look at the movement to re-create family farms that supply a wide variety of naturally raised fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats to a community. It also includes this recipe for fresh-from-the-garden peas.

Peas in Milk

2 cups milk (they use whole, farm-fresh milk)

2 Tbls. butter

2 cups shelled peas

salt & pepper to taste

few mint leaves, finely chopped (I'll try this, but I'm not sure about the mint)

Shell the peas and set aside. Heat the milk and butter over medium heat in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. Add peas, salt, and pepper, and gently simmer until the peas are bright green. Remove from heat, add mint (if using) and correct seasoning.

On Essex Farm, they serve this with boiled new potatoes as lunch.

Next time you visit the Scarborough Inn, we hope you'll enjoy the farm fresh produce and/or locally made ingredients on your plate!

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INNsider Tip: If you're lucky enough to find fresh Purple Beans in your Farmer's Market, serve them raw to appreciate the unique color. Cooking changes their color.

New Jersey Farmers Market

2011-06-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Ocean City Farmer's Market

In Ocean City we are fortunate to have a weekly Farmer's Market on the Tabernacle grounds from July through the end of the summer. We can conveniently purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers to use for Breakfast and/or Afternoon Refreshments at the Scarborough Inn. And we are thrilled to do so! We provide the very freshest produce for our guests while supporting our local farm families.

Recently, I received a ballot from America's Farmland Trust to vote for "America's Favorite Farmer's Market." Of course, I voted for the Ocean City, NJ Farmer's Market. If you would like to do the same, use this link to cast your ballot.

If you would like to know more about American Farmland Trust, you can visit their website here and join the effort to support and protect our nation's farms.

Jersey Shore Restaurants, Ethnic Foods

2011-06-15T08:00:00.008-04:00

In Ocean City we have a wonderful, small cluster of ethnic restaurants all located on 9th Street between Central Avenue and Wesley Avenue. This unique grouping of Jersey Shore restaurants offer different ethnic foods - all on one block. Within a few yards of each other, you can sample foods from Greece, China, and France!

Enjoy Greek specialities from Katina's Gyro Restaurant (501 9th. Street), an extensive selection of Chinese favorites from Szechwan Garden (503 9th. Street), and the continental cuisine of Ma France Creperie (506 9th. Street).

Best of all, these fun eateries are all less than a 10-minute walk from the Scarborough Inn, so a delicious international meal is always an easy option for dinner!

Ocean City NJ Bed and Breakfast: Natural Toiletries

2011-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

Natural ingredients

Natural toiletries are a luxury we provide for guests of the Scarborough Inn Bed and Breakfast. Formulated from natural ingredients like domestically-sourced vegetable oil and fragrant essential oils, our soap, shampoo, and body lotion are free of artificial colors, paraben, and sulfate.

Our signature toiletries are even more unique this year with the addition of lovely packaging that echoes the colors and designs of our website, and the ambiance of the inn.

Enjoy these all natural products the next time you visit and purchase guest soaps in the shape of scallop shells from the inn Gift Shop to enjoy at home or for thoughtful gifts. Other carefully selected gift items are also available for purchase in person or online.

Ocean City NJ Vacation, Guarded Beaches

2011-06-10T08:00:00.003-04:00

Ocean City NJ Beach, Memorial Day

Our local beaches are consistently ranked among the top in the nation and are an important part of any Ocean City NJ vacation. The Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCPB) plays a very important role in insuring that a fun day at the beach...stays fun.

During the early part of the season, not all beaches are guarded, so when heading for a day of surf and sand, check with us at the Scarborough Inn, online at the city website, or by phone 609-814-WAVE (9283) - although when I tried the phone number the information was outdated.

INNsider Tip - Beach tags are required when you use the Ocean City beach; we supply them free to guests (with a refundable deposit) 2 tags per room or suite.

Jersey Shore Restaurants: BEACH CLUB CAFE

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Beach Club Cafe

1282 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 398-7700

You may remember the old Scout song about, "..make new friends, but keep the old.." Well, it was a great pleasure to re-discover an "old friend" recently that Scarborough Inn guests will find very appealing! I'm talking about chef Stephen Nicoletti, who is operating the Beach Club Cafe - a great Jersey Shore Restaurant right on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Ambience - Situated right on the Boardwalk on a raised deck, the cafe has a beautiful view along the wooden way, plus a panoramic sight of the beach and ocean - the perfect location for those who want a delicious dinner with a side of romance.

Service - On our recent visit, the server was efficient, knowledgeable, and cordial. Great service contributes to a pleasant dining experience and Tara is a definite asset.

Food - In a word - scrumptious! Everything we ate was beautifully fresh, expertly prepared with a judicious touch, and nicely presented. Dinner includes a choice of soup or salad, entree with sides, a roll and butter. The selection is extensive - mostly centered around chicken, pasta, and a variety of seafood.

We both choose salads for starters and these were crispy romaine with a nice variety of dressings. Chef Steve treated us to a cup of Maryland Crab Soup that was outstanding - creamy, yet light with plentiful bits of crab, and seasoned perfectly.

For the entree, Gus selected Clams Casino Capellini. This was kind of a deconstructed clams casino with all of the traditional elements intermingled with imported pasta and piled high in a serving bowl, topped with a mound of herbs and seasonings. Delicious to look at and to taste!

I selected a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake which was delicately flavored and redolent of sweet crab with a side of Lyonnaise potatoes - lightly crisp on the outside and tender within. We both enjoyed a side of sugar snap peas which provided simple, bright flavor and color to the plate.

We shared an absolutely decadent homemade Chocolate Cappuccino Cake. It was richly flavored with smooth chocolate and just a hint of mocha from the cappuccino and topped with real whipped cream. (Thank goodness we walked home! I'm sure that removed the calories.)

Price - Most entrees are less than $20.00 making eating at the Beach Club Cafe a rich experience without the high prices.*

Details - There is seating indoors as well as outside so inclement weather should not deter you from enjoying the wonderful food and ocean-front atmosphere. Children are accommodated. I did not see handicapped access, but call to inquire. Credit cards are accepted.

Parking could be a problem - none is provided - but not for guests of the Scarborough Inn. We provide complimentary, on-site parking for our guests and the cafe is within walking distance of our bed and breakfast.

INNsider Tip: Take advantage of the *Early Bird Special" - 15% off any dinner entree from 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Bring along a sweater or light jacket, it can be chilly near the water - no matter the season - and take a camera to record the gorgeous setting. I think this superb Jersey Shore restaurant will become a favorite.